Genealogy Research

"I promise that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, to your children, your grandchildren, and others, on through the generations. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us and as our posterity reads of our life's experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted." - Author: Spencer W. Kimball

Athens, Texas is a MUST stop destination on your genealogy research journey. The Henderson County Historical Commission, Athens Genealogical Organization, Henderson County Historical Society, and the Henderson County Historical Museum are all ready and waiting to assist you in your search to discover your family history and heritage.  Many of our founding fathers and settlers have surnames that can be traced back to England, France, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and Wales.  Variety is the spice of life!  Athens is a community with a rich history thanks to the great men and women that settled here. So much is to be learned and shared. Come by, pull up a chair, and let's see what we can journey to discover.

Cain: English, Scottish

Carroll: Irish

Coleman: Irish

Deen: English, Irish

Faulk: German

Henderson: Irish, Scottish

LaRue: French

McManus: Irish

Meredith: Welsh

Murchison: English, Irish

Reierson: Swedish

Wofford: English

Henderson County Historical Commission
Our current office and research facility is located in the old Henderson County jail, 201 E. Larkin Street, one block north of the courthouse in Athens. We have a wealth of information that can be found here, including, but not limited to, obituaries; antique photographs; CSA pension files; family, community, and club histories.

We are open for research Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. We are closed on all county holidays. For your convenience, call 903-675-6199 before coming to make sure we are open. For more information email Historical.Commission@co.henderson.tx.us

Athens Genealogical Organization
The Athens Genealogical Organization meets the last Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church located at 225 Lovers Lane in Athens, Texas.  Publications and journals can be found at the Henderson County Library located at 121 S. Prairieville, Athens, Texas.

Henderson County Historical Society
The purpose of the Henderson County Historical Society is to bring together persons who are interested in the history of Henderson County, to foster, stimulate and share ideas, information, methods and practices of preserving the history of the county with special emphasis on acquiring and maintaining a museum and other historic buildings. 

Henderson County Historical Museum
Sponsored and maintained by the Henderson County Historical Society, the Henderson County Historical Museum is housed in the Faulk-Gauntt Building located at 217 N. Prairieville St., Athens, Texas.  It is open from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays.  It is a FANTASTIC piece of history to learn and discover on your genealogy research journey.

Genealogy research, cultural events and festivals, family reunions - it's all happening right here in Athens, Texas!  Join us or let us help you plan your event!