Gathering for Thanksgiving? Make this November the month you uncover your family’s unique story using free library resources!
With HeritageQuest, PLYMC cardholders can access more than 5 billion digital records and images dating back to the 1700s. The collection includes U.S. federal census records, family and local history books, city directories, military records, wills, and unique collections such as Freedman's Bank records.
Plus, HeritageQuest is available anytime, anywhere with your PLYMC library card. Unlike Ancestry Library Edition, it doesn't require an in-person visit to a branch.
Getting Started
Start by searching for an ancestor using their name and any details you know, such as where they lived or when they were born. You can narrow your results by location, date, or record type to find relevant records.
Not sure what you're looking for? Census records can reveal where your ancestors lived and who was part of their household. Military records may provide details about their service, while city directories and local history books can offer more insight into their lives and communities.
As you research, compare information across records and keep track of names, dates, and locations to help guide your next search.
5 Quick Family History & Genealogy Tips
- Expect Spelling Variations: Misread handwriting during transcription and phonetic census spellings are common. Search with broad parameters!
- Treat Birth Years as Estimates: Take early birth dates with a grain of salt. Ages were routinely rounded or misremembered (the 1900 U.S. Census is the only one asking for exact month and year).
- Verify "Suggested Records" Carefully: Database hints and related record suggestions are fantastic clues for finding misspelled ancestors, but double-check that ages, dates, and locations match before accepting them. It’s easy to accidentally attach an unrelated stranger!.
- Start with What You Know: Work backward step-by-step from yourself to parents and grandparents before diving into deep historical archives.
- Gather Stories Now: Take advantage of holiday family gatherings to record oral histories and living memories that bring your tree to life!
Discover More Genealogy Resources at PLYMC
Remember that not everything is online! Visit Main Library to explore local newspaper microfilm, cemetery books, county histories, and more online resources.
For more tips on tracking down offline records, check out our post: Genealogical Research - Mahoning County
Need Help Digging into Your Family History?
Visit any PLYMC branch, call us at 330-744-8636, or email ASK@libraryvisit.org.
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