Dig into genealogy resources other than Ancestry at the library
If you’re a genealogy enthusiast, you probably know that Ancestry Library Edition is available for free at all of our branches. But do you know about the other genealogy resources we offer to help discover and tell your family’s story? With the library, you have access to historical maps, census records, will and probate records, even military records.
Fun fact – surnames first made an appearance in the 1200s in Europe.
Genealogy resources
Sanborn Insurance Maps
Sanborn Maps: Over 40,000 detailed historical Ohio maps. The Sanborn Maps were originally created for assessing fire insurance liability in urbanized areas in the United States. Our collection includes over 40,000 detailed maps of Ohio cities drawn between 1882 and 1962. Each map includes detailed information regarding town and building information.
You can use this collection to:
- Locate the residences and workplaces of ancestors.
- Understand the significance and historical evolution of buildings.
- See what your town looked like in the past and how it has changed over time.
View Sanborn Maps.
Explore this detailed guide to Sanborn Fire Insurance colors, keys, and symbols from the Library of Congress
HeritageQuest
HeritageQuest is an essential collection of genealogical and historical sources for more than 60 countries, with coverage dating back as early as the 1700s. The collection can help people find their ancestors and discover a place’s past, while also providing a comprehensive treasury of genealogical sources rich in unique records, local and family histories, and finding-aids.
You get access to:
- Census collection with over 700 million records from the U.S. Federal Census 1790-1940, and national censuses including Argentina, Netherlands, Czech Republic and several other countries.
- Books collection with over 22,000 family and local histories, compiled genealogies, documentary collections, church records, military records, vital records, city and county histories.
- City Directories with over 1.5 million records from various US city and county directories during 1821-1989.
- Military Records containing over 2 million records from selected state and country military records including the US Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files 1800-1900, US Records of Confederate Prisoners of War 1861-1865, and US Remarried Widows Index to Pension Applications 1887-1942.
- Wills and Probate Records has more than 170 million pages from the largest collection of wills and probate records in the United States, with searchable records included from all 50 states spread over 337 years (1668-2005).
- Freedman’s Bank contains an index and original images of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company’s registers of Signatures of Depositors 1865-1871.
- US Serial Set contains more than 140,000 private relief actions, memorials, and petitions drawn from the records published “serial” fashion from the US Senate and House of Representatives 1769-1969.
- Maps & Photos includes US Indexed County Land Ownership Maps 1860-1910, US Enumeration District Maps and Descriptions 1940, US Indexed Early Land Ownership and Township Plats 1785-1898, and Library of Congress Photo Collection 1840-2000.
View HeritageQuest.
Learn more with the ProQuest guide to HeritageQuest.
Fold3 Library Edition
Fold3 Library Edition is the premier collection of historical military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served from the Revolutionary War through recent conflicts. It contains millions of records from world-class archives, many of which are exclusively available on Fold3 Library Edition.
Explore Fold3 Library Edition.
African American Heritage
African American Heritage is a digital resource exclusively devoted to African American family history research. This collection was created in partnership with leading African American genealogists and recognized leaders in genealogical information to develop a comprehensive mix of resources, records, and tools specifically pertaining to African Americans. It provides users a dedicated, user-friendly resource that not only brings together records critical to African American family research, but also connects them to a community of research experts, whose mentoring and assistance can frequently be the difference between research success and futility.
Explore African American Heritage.
Learn more with the ProQuest guide to African American Heritage.
Genealogy Information Request
We offer a Genealogy Request Information service. While we can’t offer in-depth research, we can help with:
- Obituaries from our local newspapers
- Death dates
- Monument inscriptions prior to 1900
- Marriage dates from 1800 – 1874
- Will, estate, and guardianship records from 1800-1900
Fill out the Genealogy Request Information form to get started.
In closing
Explore the genealogy resources the library offers to discover and tell your family’s story. With the library, you have access to historical maps, census records, will and probate records, and even military records.
