Genealogy Subject Guide
Databases and Indexes
HeritageQuest Online HeritageQuest Online includes records from the 1790 - 1930 U.S. federal censuses. It offers more than 20,000 book titles, including nearly 8,000 family histories and over 12,000 local histories. Additionally, there are more than 250 primary-source documents such as tax lists, city directories, probate records, and more. Also included is the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), a widely recognized resource guide that covers more than 6,300 genealogy and history periodicals written in English and French (Canada) since 1800, the Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, which identifies more than 80,000 American military, naval, and marine officers and enlisted men, and the Freedman’s Bank Records which documents more than 70,000 bank depositors and their dependants and heirs.
FamilySearch Database of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Michigan Naturalization Record Indexes Indexes to the records for 22 Michigan counties are online (PDF format). The naturalization indexes have been created by the generous efforts of volunteers at the State Archives of Michigan. Each index has been transcribed from the original hand-written index.
New England Ancestors This database includes holdings from the New England Historic Genealogical Society,including the New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Available only at the Archives and Regional History Collections, 111 East Hall.
General Interest
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet A site containing over 180,000 links to genealogical materials worldwide, classified and cross-referenced in over 150 categories.
RootsWeb Search engines and databases.
Michigan and Kalamazoo Resources
Kalamazoo Gazette Index Only local news is indexed. The Kalamazoo Public Library has an online index for the Gazette as a part of its catalog. Indexed by subjects and personal names since 1972. A few things have been indexed from older issues. You may need to pull the drop-down menu to Local Indexes and Community Information before searching.
MEL: Michigan Genealogy Extensive list of links for Michigan, including organizations, county records, and cemetary databases.
Michigan County Histories
The Michigan County Histories collection is a collaborative effort of Michigan's Council of Library Directors. The collection is projected to provide access to 192 histories dating from 1866 to 1926. There are 195 volumes in 164 titles currently online.
Michigan Death Index
The data in this system were obtained from microfilmed death ledgers for Michigan, which have been transcribed by genealogists from Michigan's local genealogical societies. The current system contains information on 170,000 Michigan death records from 1867-1897.
Minority and Ethnic Resources
AfriGeneas: African American & African Ancestored Genealogy
Cyndi's List: Ethnic Groups & People Links to hundreds of ethnic genealogy resources.
MEL: Genealogy by Ethnic Group Links to sites for a variety of ethnic groups.
Vital Records
Vital Records Information - United States Includes address and cost information for obtaining birth, death, marriage and divorce records from each state, the different rules and regulations that apply to the various states, and links to request forms and online indexes when they exist.
Organizations
Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society Includes links to other state-wide sources.
National Genealogical Society Features tips on getting started, information on a soon-to-come online class, and an online bookstore.
New England Historic Genealogical Society New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston offers material for the U.S., Canada and Europe, including 1 million manuscripts.
Ask A Librarian
Sharon Carlson
sharon.carlson@wmich.edu
269-387-8496
Last updated: August 2008