Did You Know: Genealogy Resources at the Library

Have you been wanting to trace your family’s history? Getting started can be a daunting process, and with the recent release of 1950s census data, there is more information to uncover than ever! But did you know that your library card gives you free access to genealogy resources? From databases, to books, to helpful guides, there are numerous tools to make the process more approachable.

DATABASES:

An HCPL library card provides you with free access to HeritageQuest and Ancestry for Virginians.

HeritageQuest provides a collection of research materials for tracing family history and American culture including census data, city directories, agricultural and industrial schedules, and more.

Available through the Library of Virginia, Ancestry for Virginians provides access to select collections and content through an agreement with Ancestry.com. Patrons can create a free account to access digitized and indexed records and materials. Note that these records do not include the entirety of Ancestry's Virginia-related content, and search results may include materials not part of the Library of Virginia's collections. For full access to Ancestry.com, visit the second floor reading rooms at the Library of Virginia.

BOOKS & EBOOKS ON GENEALOGY:

• Genealogy for Beginners by Katherine Pennavaria - A great resource for a beginner, this book covers everything one needs to know to start a successful genealogy project.

• Practical Genealogy: 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History by Brian Sheffey - This title is helpful for the new researcher, and covers obstacles one might encounter when trying to trace their family’s history.

• The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine Bettinger - Not sure where to start with DNA testing kits? This book helps demystify genetic DNA test options and results.

• Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques by George C. Morgan - Ready to take your genealogy research to the next level? This ebook offers step-by-step instructions to take your genealogy research further, and includes troubleshooting tips.

• Trace Your Roots: Know Your Genealogy And Explore Your Family History by Maureen Vincent-Northam - This ebook teaches you how to utilize civil records to learn more about your family history.

OTHER RESOURCES:

In addition to Ancestry for Virginians, the Library of Virginia provides other helpful genealogical resources to start your journey!

• Access their Guide to Genealogy for useful tips
• Explore their research guides and databases to jumpstart your search
• Check out their “Find your Family History” webinar

Searching for family members outside of the state of Virginia? Try out some of these online resources as well:

• National Archives - Resources for Genealogists
• Library of Congress – Local History & Genealogy Research Guides

UPCOMING LIBRARY PROGRAMS

• Design Your Family Tree with Adobe InDesign
  • Monday, November 21 from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. @ the Fairfield Library
  • Learn how to create a family tree using Adobe InDesign. Even if you haven't begun researching your family history yet, you can create a template to be saved and edited later. Bring a thumb drive to save your work and any family photos you might want to use, or use our sample images.  Experience with InDesign is optional, but skill with a keyboard and mouse is essential. Registration is required.

• Digitizing Your Family History
  • Tuesday, January 24 from 2:00 – 3:30 P.M @ the Varina Library
  • The library has resources for preserving genealogical information, film, photos, and documents. Join us as we show you the best ways to scan, organize, preserve, and manage your digitized family history. Registration is required.

Good luck with your genealogy project! HCPL staff are here to help you with any further questions, either in-person or online through AskHCPL!