The County Archives was established in 2016 and operates as an official function of the Lewis County Public Library and Archives. The archives receive, process, and preserve non-current, permanent records created by Lewis County Government since 1848. In addition, the archive houses other records of enduring historic value that document and reflect Hohenwald and Lewis County’s history.
Lewis County Public Library and Archives provides public access to archive holdings, except for records restricted by Tennessee laws.
If the Archives does not hold the record you need in microfilm or physical form, library and archives staff will direct you to an agency that does.
Use of Archive Materials
Researchers should be aware that accessing archive materials is a different process than accessing other library materials. Guidelines have been established both to preserve materials and protect them from theft, thus ensuring they remain available for future researchers. Our staff will assist patrons with the proper use of archive resources. Guidelines include:
- All materials in the County Archive are non-circulating and cannot be checked out.
- Researchers may only view records in the designated viewing area.
- To access materials, patrons will be asked to register for access and fill out a Research Slip.
- Only one request for one record will be handled at a time.
- A staff member will remain with the researcher while the item is being viewed.
- No archival material will be pulled within 15 minutes of closing.
- Food and drink are not allowed in the designated viewing area.
First-time users should consult with library and archives staff for more information on policies and guidelines for handling our collections.
Photocopies
A fee will be charged for photocopies. Please note that not all materials are available for reproduction. Staff will determine if the physical condition of materials allows for photocopying. All photocopies are subject to U. S. Copyright Law (Title 17, United States Code).
Please credit the Lewis County Public Library and Archives if you use any reproductions of materials for public use (including social media).
Lewis County Virtual Archive
Items within this online collection are digitized items from the manuscript and photograph collections at the Lewis County Public Library and Archives. Please note that only a small subset of collections have been digitized.
To visit the Lewis County Virtual Archive, please visit: https://archive.org/details/@lewislibrary.
Local History and Genealogy
Visit our Local History & Genealogy page to learn more about archival resources available at the library and archives.
