|
Genealogy
Closely related to local history is genealogy. This
collection includes published vital records, “how-to”
materials on beginning genealogy and special topics
(especially ethnic research), and source materials. Also
found here is a selection of family histories and cemetery
listings and inscriptions.
Researchers may access the U.S. census records through the
library databases Ancestry: Library Edition and Heritage
Quest. Heads of families at
the first census of the United States taken in the year 1790
: Massachusetts is available in print.
Vital records
The collection contains the vital records of more than 200
Massachusetts communities, most of them through 1849-1850,
when compulsory town record keeping began. Some volumes
include more recent vital records. A listing is available in
the collections area among the vital records (##VC 929) and
at the Reference Desk on the second floor. Microfiche of the
handwritten Leominster vital records to about
1900 are available. Ask at the Reference
Desk for assistance.
Family genealogies
The library collects published and unpublished genealogies
of families from the local area. These include Boutelle,
Carter/Cartter, Damon, Gardner, Hills, Houghton, Joslin,
Pierce, Prescott, Richardson, Rogers, Wheeler, White,
Wilder.
Genealogical “how-to” materials
The collection offers many books to assist genealogists in
their searches. Special emphasis is placed on beginning
genealogy, as well as research pertaining to specific ethnic
backgrounds.
Other materials offer addresses, telephone numbers, web
sites and tips for further research outside the library.
Some “how-to” volumes are also available in the library’s
circulating collection so that they may be checked out for
use at home.
Source materials on genealogy
The library maintains standard and current source materials
on genealogy, including the New England Historic
Genealogical Register and its indexes, genealogical
dictionaries, Great Migration publications, and French
Canadian and Acadian materials including Our French Canadian
Ancestors (in English) and Histoire et généalogie des
Acadiens (in French).
Cyndi’s List of thousands of genealogy web sites
Ellis Island records
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints family history
centers |
