As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Union County is turning its attention to preserving history closer to home, one deed at a time.

The Union County Register of Deeds Office maintains aging records and deeds dating back generations, carefully restoring and preserving these records to ensure they remain intact for years to come. Many of these documents are written in fading ink, but tell the story of how land was transferred, families were established and communities were built. The Register of Deeds office has served Union County since the County was formed in 1842.

"It's important that these records are accessible, that they're correct, and that they're indexed where people can find them." said Register of Deeds Crystal Gilliard. "It's important for people to have access to their family history,"

Over time, exposure to light, humidity and handling can cause historic records and deeds to deteriorate. To combat this, the books are being sent through an ongoing preservation process. The goal is not only to protect property rights, but also to safeguard a link to Union County's history. As America reflects on 250 years of independence and growth, preserving records reflects the importance of remembering everyday stories, not just famous names in textbooks, but also the farmers, business owners and families that helped to shape the community.

By investing in preservation today, the Register of Deeds office is ensuring that future generations will be able to trace their roots, have access to local history and understand the foundation on which their community stands.

To learn more about this process, watch Preserving Records. Visit the Register of Deeds page to see additional services the County provides.