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Genealogy at the State Library of Pennsylvania

A guide to resources available to genealogy and family history researchers through the State Library of Pennsylvania.

The State Library of Pennsylvania Genealogy Collection

The State Library of Pennsylvania Genealogy and Local History collection consists of indexes, genealogies, state and county histories, family histories, regimental histories from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars,  city directories, atlases, land warranty maps, ship passenger lists, and compilations of church and cemetery records. Our collection also includes Federal Census records for Pennsylvania, from 1790 to 1930, on microfilm, agricultural and business censuses. Many older items in our collection have been digitized and are available in the PA Photos and Documents Collection at the Pennsylvania Power Library website.

For more information about the State Library of Pennsylvania, please see the Library's website. If you need further assistance or wish to book a research appointment, please see the State Library's Contact Information page.

State Library of Pennsylvania Electronic Genealogy Resources

In addition to our print and digital resources, the State Library also subscribes to several genealogical database including Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest and Fold3. These databases can be searched on-site at the State Library. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees may access many of our databases remotely using thier State Libary of Pennsylvnia library card. For more information about our electronic databases, please go to our A- Z Databases page.

MyHeritage Library Edition is available to Pennsylvania Residents though the Pennsylvania POWER Library's collection of electronic resources. Pennsylvania residents may access Power Library electronic databases through their local library or by obtaining a POWER Library e-card.

 

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State Library of Pennsylvania Genealogy Lunch-n-Learn Programs

State Library of Pennsylvania Genealogical Research Guides

Need More Help? Check Out Our Professional Genealogy Researcher List.

The State Library does not endorse or recommend independent researchers. The library is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein. This list is provided as a courtesy and lists those who have requested to be included. Independent researchers are not employees of the State Library.

The Professional Researcher list is updated annually during the first quarter of each year, however changes can be made in the interim by contacting the State Library at ra-reflib@pa.gov.

Ancestor Place
Contact: Marcia McCartt
Telephone: 513-539-7406
Email: blakatgal@aol.com
Website: www.ancestorplace.com
Description of Services: 32 years of genealogy research experience.  Services include: Lineage Society, Brick Wall and DNA research.  Research conducted in records for all US States, as well as Canada, Ireland and the British Isles.  

 

Cambria Ancestry
Contact: Dianne O'Shea
Address: P.O. Box 7
               Johnstown, PA 15907
Email: johnstown@breezeline.net
Website: http://www.cambriaancestry.com/
Description of Services: I am available to perform research involving Cambria County, PA. I will search census records; Johnstown City directories; Cambria County newspapers; and Johnstown telephone directories. Extremely familiar with local biographical history books and Johnstown Floods. Performing research since 1986. I teach genealogy classes, receive assignments tracing/locating missing heirs having Cambria County roots, etc. Board member of the Cambria County Historical Society. Secretary of local genealogy society since 1987. Visit my website, Cambria Ancestry.

 
Chester County Archives & Record Services
Telephone: 610-344-6760
Email: ccarchives@chesco.org
Website: https://www.chesco.org/192/Archives-Records
Description of Services:  The Chester County Archives was established to preserve and make available the historic records of the Chester County Government. Our collections include a variety of County government records, including birth and death records (1852-1855, 1893-1907), marriage records (1852-1855, 1885-1930), probate records (1714-1923), and naturalizations (1798-1989). Many of our records are indexed and digitized, which researchers can access on our website. We can provide copies of any non-digitized records.

 

The State Library does not endorse or recommend independent researchers. The library is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein. This list is provided as a courtesy and lists those who have requested to be included. Independent researchers are not employees of the State Library

The Professional Researcher list is updated annually during the first quarter of each year, however changes can be made in the interim by contacting the State Library at ra-reflib@pa.gov.

Keisling Research
Contact: Alaine Keisling
Cell: 225-284-7952
Email: keisling@gmail.com
Association of Professional Genealogist Profile: Alaine Keisling
Description of Services: Professional full-time researcher with more than 30 years of experience in genealogical, business and other research; member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, specializing in Pennsylvania and MidAtlantic research.

 

Kline Research & Genealogy Services/Findologists.com
Contact: Kathleen Kline, M.S.L.S.
Telephone: 717-440-1112
Website:  https://www.findologists.com/
Email: klineresearch@gmail.com or info@findologists.com 
Description of Services: Former Librarian Supervisor at the State Library of Pennsylvania and former Senior Project Manager and Lead Researcher at Genealogists.com. 

Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University, 2011 and Advanced Forensic Evidence Analysis, Forensic Genealogy Institute, 2014. Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Years of experience researching Pennsylvania family mysteries with the ability to research families in any U.S. location and even worldwide through a network of proven researchers. 

 

Lancaster History
Address: 230 North President Avenue
               Lancaster, PA 17603
Telephone: Phone: (717) 392-4633
Website: https://www.lancasterhistory.org/
Email: info@lancasterhistory.org
Description of Services: Research Services Information

The State Library does not endorse or recommend independent researchers. The library is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein. This list is provided as a courtesy and lists those who have requested to be included. Independent researchers are not employees of the State Library.

The Professional Researcher list is updated annually during the first quarter of each year, however changes can be made in the interim by contacting the State Library at ra-reflib@pa.gov.

Roberta P. McMullen
Address: 9 Timberline Dr.
                Quarryvillle, PA 17566
Telephone: 717-786-8060
Email: bobbipmcmullen@gmail.com
Association of Professional Genealogists Profile: Roberta P. "Bobbi" McMullen
Description of Services: Bobbi McMullen is a professional genealogist of over 15 years with research specialties of Lancaster County, PA, Chester County, PA and Lineage Society applications. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Wilmington University with a minor in History. Bobbi has lectured on preparation of lineage papers, internet resources for genealogy and resolving complex lineage problems. Bobbi is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
                                       Services: Specializes in all types of Lineage Society papers. Also general genealogical research, Pennsylvania with specialties of Lancaster and Chester counties.
                                       Geographic Specialties: Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic

Rooty Branches Genealogy Services
Contact:  Hope Glidden
Telephone: 717-804-4395
Email:  rootybranches@gmail.com
Website:  www.rootybranches.com
Description of Services:  Former paralegal and professional genealogist with 30+ years of research experience is available to conduct research in all Pennsylvania counties, as well as other areas of the United States.  Hope is available for on-site repository research in Lancaster and surrounding counties, and at the Pennsylvania Archives.   She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and numerous genealogical societies. 

 

The State Library does not endorse or recommend independent researchers. The library is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein. This list is provided as a courtesy and lists those who have requested to be included. Independent researchers are not employees of the State Library.

The Professional Researcher list is updated annually during the first quarter of each year, however changes can be made in the interim by contacting the State Library at ra-reflib@pa.gov.

Jerry Sherard
Telephone: 303-988-9530
Email: shep964ard@hotmail.com
Website: https://miningaccidents.weebly.com/
Description of Services: Can provide mining accident information 1869-1882 Eastern PA only, fatal & nonfatal; 1883-1940 fatal & nonfatal; 1941-1972 fatal.  No charge.

 
Taylor Research Group
Contact Person: John Taylor
Address: 3333 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 3
                Washington, D.C. 20008
Telephone: 703-822-4658 (Office)
                   703-373-8137 (Direct)
Email: johntaylor@taylorresearchgroup.com
Description of Services: Specialize in federal, state and local records reviews. Will perform broad, due diligence research or collect specific documentation on a range of subjects, including: military, government agency or corporate issues, city directory reviews, regulatory matters, environmental issues, land records, and historical matters. Our staff is well-versed in the various branches of the National Archives, the Library of Congress, state and local archives/libraries, government and military agency archives/libraries, trade associations, and historical societies. Please note, however, that we do not provide genealogical services.

 
Unlock Your History 
Contact: Pamela Israel
Email: pamis@unlockyourhistory.com
Website: https://www.unlockyourhistory.com/
Telephone: 412-512-2912
Description of Services: Based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pamela conducts professional genealogical research, with her heaviest focus on Pennsylvania (particularly the western area), extending into nearby Ohio, West Virginia and New York, as well as Germany and Germanic areas. Additionally, as with all family research, people moved all over, and she follows the research where it takes those families across the world. Pamela finds genealogy extremely rewarding and fun and loves to help other people solve their family mysteries.
Pamela is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Association, where she is the Archives Chair, a board member and the 2023-24 president. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society and the New York and Genealogical and Biographical Society and others. She earned a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and is an alum of ProGen and GenProof. Pamela continues her education with many institutes and seminars, such as ones focusing on Pennsylvania Germans, German Research, Mid-Atlantic Ancestors, Family History Law Library, and several on DNA.

 

Frances Wise Waite
Address: 90 Locust Trail
                Newville, PA 17241
Telephone: 717-776-8432
Email: SEPAfran@aol.com
Description of ServicesAre you stuck in your search for ancestors? Fran will analyze and search for documentation of your family history from the 1600s to 2000s in Pennsylvania, and beyond. She has many years of experience in many types of family history research projects and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Fran retired after 25 years as library assistant for the Bucks County Historical Society Library.