The Pike County Genealogical Society was formed in March 1999, with early meetings held in members’ homes. In 2000, Judge Rochne Calhoun generously offered the Society space in his Ben Franklin Building rent-free, provided the members renovated it at their own expense. This marked the Society’s first permanent home and an important step forward in preserving Pike County’s history.

Much of our growing collection began with the dedication of our founders, who donated materials from their own personal research and archives. Founding members include Marvin & Donna Darnell, Bill & Mollie Price, Claudia Wells, Pat Lynn, Mae Dameron, Margie Smith, Betty Knebehler, Nina Peden, Archie Ross, Harriet Worrell, Bowen Rogers, and many others who shared a passion for local history.

In March 2012, the Pike County Commissioners proposed the idea of creating a county museum in the historic 1883 Pike County Jail. Recognizing the jail as an irreplaceable piece of local heritage rather than something to be lost, the commissioners partnered with the Society to transform the building into a space dedicated to preserving and showcasing Pike County’s rich history.

Today, the Pike County Genealogical Society & Jail Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported entirely through tax-deductible donations and memberships. Our work is carried out by dedicated community volunteers who remain committed to preserving, protecting, and expanding access to Pike County history for generations to come.

Our Mission

The mission of the Pike County Missouri Genealogical Society & Jail Museum is to foster and nurture an interest in genealogy by providing instruction, information, and inspiration, while encouraging Society Members and others in the development of family histories and genealogical records, for the benefit of future generations.

Our Board of Volunteers

Sharon Coose – President

Marie Haught – Vice President

Nancy Reid – Secretary

Audrey Jones – Treasurer

Betty Jo Wendel – Elected board member.