Genealogy and Local History
Our
Collection
Our Genealogy and Local History collection is
one of our largest services and consists of indexes, genealogies, state
and county histories, family
histories, city directories, atlases, land
warranty maps, ship passenger lists, and compilations of church and cemetery
records. We also have Federal Census records for Pennsylvania, from 1790 to
1930, on microfilm. Agricultural and business censuses are also
available. Databases that include Accessible Archives, Ancestry.com, and HeritageQuest are also available for use at the
State Library.
Items of interest to genealogists and historians often include
the published Pennsylvania Archives series, regimental histories (primarily
from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars), research guides for ethnic and minority
groups, and guides to genealogical research in foreign countries.
Use our catalogue to search for materials.
Unable To Visit The State Library?
Many of our resources can only be accessed within the State Library. However, libraries
may ask to borrow from our Genealogy and Local History collection on fiche.
Libraries may ask for Table of Contents or specific pages to be copied or
scanned for their patrons.
Research
State Library staff will assist with general research for
patrons, however, staff will not conduct specific genealogical searching.