The Elkhart County Genealogical Society (ECGS) spearheaded a microfilm research center at Rush Memorial. 

The microfilm scanner is located in the Corson Library of the Elkhart County Museum (Rush Memorial Center). The reader has the ability to copy information from the microfilm to an attached computer. From the computer, you can then save your information on a CD or flash drive, or even e-mail the information to your home computer. 

ECGS has over 300 microfilms of CRIMP (County Records of Indiana Microfilm Project) records. These consist of old records (marriages, probate, wills, etc.) from the Elkhart County Courthouse. These microfilms are unique as there are only three complete copies. These copies are located in the ECGS library, Indiana State Library, and the Mormon Library in Utah. Many affilated libraries may also have online access to these records. 

ECGS also has marriage records from 1830 to 1942 on film.  These early records contained limited information: names of bride and groom, date of marriage, and officiant. From 1882-1906, a Register of Returns was kept with additional information including parents' names and witnesses. These are on a separate "Companion" film. In 1907, a more complete marriage application was required to get a license. These applications include addresses, occupations, divorces, etc. 

Elkhart County Historical Society has over 400 microfilms of early newspapers from Elkhart County. They also have all the census for Elkhart County (1830 - 1930). 

The staff of ECGS will be willing to look up information from these films for those who live out of town and are unable to visit the center. Please see More information under our "Research Request" tab.

If you are in the area, please stop in and visit the microfilm center, library and museum. It would be a great way to start or continue your family research.