Focused on local history and family genealogy — primarily for McLean County with expansion into the neighboring counties of Woodford, Livingston and Ford.

Proud to be part of the small, close-knit McLean County community of Lexington along Route 66 and Interstate 55.

Read on to learn more about our organization.

Sharing Stories of the Past

The Lexington Genealogical and Historical Society, known as The Fort, was founded in 1965 by Verda Gerwick and is one of the oldest genealogical societies in Illinois. In its early days, volunteers painstakingly transcribed records from courthouses and cemeteries across four counties to document vital information about individuals and their histories. Over the years, The Fort's collection has expanded to include a variety of resources such as books, newspapers, family history records, and photographs, enhanced by the digitization of records. A newsletter is regularly published to inform patrons of research findings and historical stories, while volunteers assist individuals exploring their ancestry. We embrace our role as genealogists and historians, using our skills to tell the stories of those who shaped our past.

“Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.” - Sherry Anderson

Do you have an interest in volunteering? There are a variety of ways to share or hone your skills in researching, organizing and telling the stories of family or local history. Whether you’re interested in doing something on a regular basis or have some time to work on a smaller project, we would like to hear from you!