Can I do a genealogy search at my local library?
You do already have a good reason for searching for your ancestors. You might have already gathered primary information from family sources and family owned documents and other pieces of evidence. You might have already looked for some additional information on the web, and you might have even started to make your genealogy search or even your family tree on line with the help of on line software or you might have even bought some downloadable genealogy software. Your family search might have taken you to Ancestry.com, and thanks special features provided by them like the so useful “hints” you might have already obtained new information, or filled in the blanks of partial information previously obtained from family sources. FamilySearch.org might have let you pick up on line copies of relevant documents like baptism faiths or marriage certificates. But you are still missing relevant documents and you are wondering which is the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to get copies of them. Well, consider a local library to be a good source of information that might not yet be on line, but would be very relevant to your research.
What can I get at a local library that is relevant to my search?
- Local libraries usually have specific records on microfilm such as census, births, deaths, and marriages.
- They may also offer in print or family history databases.
- Many local libraries have a Family History section equipped with microfilm, fiche readers, printers, photocopiers and dedicated computers with Ancestry Software.
- Local libraries usually offer books and photos on local history. They do also use to have phone books and directories going back a number of years.
Let me give you an example. A few years ago, my mother travelled to Barcelona. She was aware of the fact her paternal branch -whose surname is “Sibils”- was original from a town close to Barcelona city called San Feliu de Guixols. So she decided to take this opportunity to carry some research about this side of her family while visiting this enchanting town by the sea.
IMAGE 1 – Photo taken by my mother at San Feliu de Guixols (Spain). This photo captures exactly the same view of a painting her great-grandfather brought with him to America.
She brought with her all the data she had, and the local library from this town, turned out to be a great place to deepen up her search. She found out that besides documents on microfilms they had extensive information on the history of her family and she even got indications so as to reach to her original family house!
IMAGE 2- Photo taken by my mother at San Feliu de Guixols (Spain) that corresponds to her great grandfather house, whose address she found at the local library.
What information do we need to gather?
- Local libraries contain a number of records that can help you in your family history research, among which are the following: Federal census records, State and local census records, passenger lists – these records identify the name of the ship your ancestor sailed on, the date it arrived, and the port it arrived at. Depending on the library, this may be a microform record, or in an index book.
- Many local libraries that offer records for genealogical research also have copies of family histories previously published by others. These records can be useful to you if you discover that you’re related to one of the families covered in these genealogies, and they can also give you ideas on how to format your own family history in case you are planning to publish it.
Is it hard to get this information?
- If you check with your local library or –as my mother did- the local library of the town the branch of your family you are conducting your research on comes from- they should have a lot of information on genealogy.
- If adequate information is provided and extensive research is not involved, the librarian can assist you in your research.
- All over the world there are also museums fully consecrated to genealogy and migration. You can get on them valuable information.
-If you are in the US and happen to be in New York, there is a great museum covering ancestors that migrated to the US, at Ellis Island. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and tells the stories of why so many people immigrated to America and what became of them after they arrived. It has become a place where families and individuals celebrate and honor those family members who made the arduous journey to a new life in America.You can check more information about it at https://www.statueoflibertytickets.com/Ellis-Island/.
IMAGE 3- Photo courtesy of: https://www.statueoflibertytickets.com/Ellis-Island/.
-In Canada, Halifax, you can check the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 https://www.pier21.ca/home. This museum through their special section Scotiabank Family History Centre offers a service of help in making your family tree. They hold information on Canadian and American immigration history, and have immigration records from before 1935.
IMAGES 4 & 5 – Photos courtesy of: https://www.pier21.ca/home.
-Buenos Aires, also offers a museum of these characteristics, the Museum of the Immigration, that does not just exhibit objects but has a database of immigrants arrived to Argentina from 1850 to 1950, and you can get on a free basis, certificates of arrival of your ancestors. It has place in and old hotel that used to hold and feed on a free basis immigrants arriving to the port of Buenos Aires from all over the world, during the 5 first days of arrival to Buenos Aires city
IMAGE 6 – Sight of the building of the Museum of the Inmigration, Buenos Aires Argentina. Formerly known as hotel, hosting on a free basis inmigrants coming from all over the world.
IMAGE 7- Exhibition of some of the hotel old facilities.
IMAGES 8, 9 & 10 – Other sights of the exhibition currently held at the Museum of the Immigration, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Do also consider that many libraries offer classes in conducting genealogical research, which includes an overview of the resources their library offers.
- Last but not least, you can also check what information do some libraries offer on line, i.e.: The Library of Congress’ portal to historical newspapers has two important areas of content: digitized newspaper pages (1836-1922) from 25 states and Washington, DC, and an index to all known newspapers published in the United States and where to find them today. Check back frequently for new content. To learn more about using the site, including what’s on it and what’s not, click on the Help section. Information is provided on a free basis.
By, Carmen Vazquez Sibils
