Reference Resources - Genealogy

Genealogy is currently a popular hobby in the United States, and individuals of all ages seek the Library's resources to answer questions about this absorbing topic. Keyword searching the on-line ISU Library Catalog is an excellent way to view or locate information about genealogy in our library. To do this, point your web browser to the Library Homepage at http://www.lib.iastate.edu and click on Library Catalog. This will bring up a screen titled: ISU Library Catalog: Basic Search which is preset for general keyword searching. Since keyword searching using just the word genealogy will yield over 500 records, researchers will want to combine some other keywords with that term. For example, genealogy and records, or genealogy and research methods, or genealogy and poland could be used.

Both novice and veteran researchers may also find it worthwhile to simply browse certain areas of the ISU Library. Depending upon the needs or interests of the researcher, browsing the stacks may serve as a valuable overview of available resources. Physically browsing the stacks often results in the discovery of that one book or source the researcher has always hoped to run across, or, unaware of its existence, never thought to search for in the Library Catalog. Here are some suggested call number areas in either the Reference Collection or the General Collection that may prove helpful.

E76.2, E 98, E184 & E185 These call numbers include sourcebooks for ethnic Americans. Generally, E76.2 and the E98's are sourcebooks pertaining to Native Americans; the E184's pertain to European Americans, Arab Americans, Latinos, Mexican Americans, and Asian Americans; and the E185's pertain to African Americans. These sourcebooks are statistical handbooks and guides to sources and records which may be of interest to researchers, not books about genealogy or how to perform genealogical reasearch.

CD921 - 4280 This call number range includes guides to various types of record and manuscript collections found in archives, government agencies, church, secular, and other, mostly public, depositories. Books here are primarily guides to collections, not books on genealogy. Due to the increasing popularity of genealogical research however, some books here do give advice on that subject. This range includes guides to federal and state records such as: war, veterans, pension, census, and vital records. An example in the General Collection is CD1043 .C69x Tracing Your Ancestors in the Public Records Office.

CS Call numbers beginning with CS are assigned to books about genealogy, including genealogical records, sources, and research. The primary difference between books in the CD's and those in the CS's is the CD's pertain to specific agencies, depositories and collections, while the CS's focus is on types of records and sources; immigration records for example. In addition, the CS's include books on how to proceed with genealogical research. Some treat the subject of genealogy broadly while others pertain to specific states, regions, countries, last names, etc. Many good examples in the CS call number range are included below in the "Guidebooks" category.

The books listed below are merely recommended examples and not an exhaustive list of the ISU Library's books on genealogy. When reading the call numbers for titles listed, “REF” refers to the Reference Collection, “MICRO” refers to the Microforms Center, both located on the first floor. “MICRO REF” refers to the print reference shelf in the Microforms Center. Works without these designations are part of the Parks Library General Collection.

Guidebooks and General Resources

REF CD3026 1988	The Archives: a guide to the National Archives field branches. 1988. Information concerning the holdings of the eleven branches of the National Archives and Records Administration. Includes information describing the various types of record groups available in each location and bibliographic records for related tools in each group.
REF CS14 S73	Genealogical Evidence. Stevenson, Noel C., 1989. Provides a "standard" of proof relating to pedigrees, ancestry, heirship and family history. Useful for learning how to keep accurate records.
REF CS16 B38 1994	How to Find Your Family Roots. Latham, William, 1994. Another basic methodology book, this guide shows step-by-step instructions for the beginning researcher.
REF/GEN CS16 D6 1992	Searching for Your Ancestors. Doane, Gilbert H., 6th ed., 1992. This book details how family records should be compiled, what information is necessary and desirable to use, and how to guard against false leads.
REF CS44 C39 1997	The Genealogy Sourcebook. Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo, 1997. A basic methodology book for the beginning researcher. This book gives a readable and practical approach to getting started, planning research, and finding resources.
REF CS68 S687x 1984	The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy. Edited by Arlene Eakle, 1984. In one volume, this book identifies, locates and interprets all of the basic manuscript, microfilm, and published record groups currently available for genealogical research between the beginnings of European colonization in American and 1910.
REF Z733 C55 L53 1988	The Library: a guide to the LDS Family History Library. 1988. This guide is designed to assist the genealogical community in using the LDS Library's major collections and its branches. These major collections include books and microforms of original records and secondary sources from the U.S. and Canada plus the British Isles, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Mexico, Central America and South America. There are also collections for Australia, the South Pacific, South Africa and the Caribbean - home to many British emigrants.
CD3023 Un3gr 1974	Guide to the National Archives of the United States. 1974. A general description of the records held by the National Archives within the context of the government agencies that created them or received them in the course of conducting official business. e.g. Navy, Army, and immigration.
CS9 W74 1995	The Genealogists Handbook. Wright, Raymond S., 1995. Modern methods for researching family history, published by the American Library Association.
CS43 Am35	American Ancestry. Hughes, Thomas P., 1887-1899. (1968 reprint). This compilation gives the name and descent, in the male line, of Americans whose ancestors settled in the United States prior to 1776.
CS44 I58	Iowa Genealogical Society Surname Index. vol. 1-5, 1972-1990. The names and addresses of Society members currently working on family trees are listed to enable information to be shared, eliminating the duplication of research.
CS47 C76 1995	Unpuzzling Your Past: A Basic Guide to Genealogy. Croom, Emily Anne, 1995. As the title suggests, a basic guide complete with worksheets, census extraction forms, case studies and sample letters.
HA200 1790	Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States. Twelve volumes, 1907-1908. Volumes of Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
MICRO E464 Un3w	The War of the Rebellion. United States Government Printing Office, 1880-1901. A compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. The general, cumulative index cites references to each volume's individual editions. The printed set is in Archives.
MICRO G1430 I68x 1984	Iowa Atlases. Iowa Atlas Microfilming Project, 1984. Over 300 pre-1940 land ownership atlases of Iowa counties, including many late 1800s and early 1900s; nineteen microfilm reels, chiefly maps and portraits; index guide supplied showing what years of county atlases are microfilmed.
MICRO G4151 G475 1985 F57x	Fire Insurance Maps of Iowa Cities and Towns. This collection of detailed maps prepared and updated by insurance companies from as early as 1870 show the progression of urban growth in Iowa. The large scale maps distinguish between building materials and types of structure and sometimes include names of property owners.

Ethnic Or Regional Guides

CS31 A11 Z82x 1984	Jewish Genealogy: A Sourcebook of Family Histories and Genealogies. Zubatsky, David S., 1984. A comprehensive guide to published and unpublished Jewish genealogies, family histories, and individual family names
CS95 A11 P53x 1992	Latin American Census Records. Platt, Lyman D., 1992. An extensive listing of Latin American census records by locality, province, country and year of census. Although it lists censuses from late 16th century through the early 20th century, most are from the 18th and 19th century.
CS943 R97 1997	Finding Your Hispanic Roots. Ryskamp, George R., 1997. An update of Ryskamp's earlier popular Tracing Your Hispanic Heritage. Effective research and interviewing techniques are combined with detailed source descriptions in this comprehensive guide to Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American genealogical research. Includes a glossary of terms and abbreviations frequently used in old Spanish records.
E98... E184... E185...	Oryx Press - Family Tree Series. A student's guide to -American Genealogy. 1996. Series includes: (in E 98) Native American; (in E184) British American, German American, Polish American, Scandinavian American, Italian American, Jewish American, Mexican American, Chinese American, Japanese American, and (in E185) African American.
E98 G44 C37x 1994	How to Research American Indian Blood Lines. Carpenter, Cecelia Svinth, 1994. Describes methods of research and sources of information including libraries, federal materials, Indian records, and Indian societies. It also includes a list of tribes with federal recognition and major depositories of Indian records.
E184 O6 A828 1995	Asian American Genealogical Sourcebook. Published by Gale Research, Detroit, MI. 1995. Provides an overview of Asian immigration, for specific Asian groups. Data includes: languages, e.g. romanization & spelling variations; calendar systems & dates; and research methods. A large portion of this book is devoted to records created in specific Asian countries of origin.
E185.96 A444 1995	African American Genealogical Sourcebook. Byers, Paula K., 1995. A convenient guide to information necessary to genealogical research, this guidebook included materials such as migration patterns, problems of data interpretations, as well as methods in locating African-American specific records.
E185.96 S817 1986	Slave Genealogy: A Research Guide With Case Studies. Streets, David H., 1986. The author describes tools and techniques for researching slave and post-emancipation genealogies and illustrates them with fascinating examples.

Bibliographies and Indexes

REF CS44 N42 1960	Genealogical Index . Four volumes, 1960. From one of the largest genealogical collections in the world, this index of surnames analyzes the Newberry's historical sources which have reference to personal names.
REF CS47 A11 L52x 1971	Genealogies in the Library of Congress: a bibliography. 1972 (2 vol. w/ 2 supplements). This resource brings up to date similar printed works published in 1910 and 1919 under the title American and English Genealogies in the Library of Congress.
REF/GEN CS68 U54x	Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives. 1982. Describing population and mortality census schedules, passenger arrival lists, naval and military records, this guide provides data useful for genealogical research.
REF CS69 A11 K35	A Complement to Genealogies in the Library of Congress. 1981. This valuable tool gives library locations of genealogies also held outside the Library of Congress.
CS25 A11 F54	American and British Genealogy and Heraldry. Compiled by P. W. Filby, 1970. This volume contains a selected list of books useful to the genealogist interested in searching American, Canadian, or British family histories. Complete publication data, as well as an annotation, are listed to facilitate locating words of interest through Interlibrary Loan or purchase.
CS47 A11 Am3	American Genealogical Index. 1942-1952. The predecessor of the American Genealogical-Biographical Index. Its shortened citations refer to the "Key Title Index," where full bibliographical information is given for the published titles.
CS47 A11 Am31	American Genealogical-Biographical Index. 1952-. Beginning genealogists should consult this lengthy index first, as it provides the easiest way to begin a search of a family tree and its information is given in a most convenient form.
CS47 A11 Y32	Genealogical Books in Print. Schreiner-Yantis, Netti, 1975. Arranged in four parts, this acquisition resource lists: [1] general reference materials; [2] United States materials by state and region; [3] family histories with full names of authors, surnames, county and state residence; and [4] a surname index of principal families.
CS68 F537 1981	Passenger and Immigration Lists Index. Filby, P. William, 1981. This book and the companion volume Passenger and Immigration Lists Index Supplement, CS68 F5372x, 1982 contain alphabetical listings of names appearing on published 17th, 18th and 19th century ship passenger lists and/or naturalization records.
CS69 A11 I54	Index to American Genealogies. 1900. This work indexes genealogical material contained in works such as by listing abbreviated titles of words which contain references to an alphabetical arrangement of family names.

Vital Records

REF HA38 A493

Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces. Latest edition. State-by-state list of where to write and cost of official state records.

Federal Census

The United States census has been taken every ten years starting in 1790. Census schedules for 1790-1920 which have not been destroyed or lost are available on microfilm. For ISU Library's holdings, check the list below.

MICRO F620 J35x 1987	Iowa 1860. Jackson, Ronald V., 1987. Computer-generated list of all heads of households listed in the 1860 Iowa census.
MICRO HA371.5 (Date) C45x	Iowa Population Schedules. United States Census Office. Microfilm copy of individual records as collected by census takers; includes name, age, race, sex, marital status, household relationships, physical and mental disabilities, education and occupation. Library has Iowa portions for 1840-1880 and 1900-1910, the latter containing a SOUNDEX INDEX arranged by the surname's pronounced form of spelling. Similar schedules for other states may often be obtained on Interlibrary Loan.
REF HA201 A11 S7	United States Census Compendium. Stemmons, John D., 1973. Census records, tax lists, petitions, oaths of allegiance, church membership lists, city directories, poll lists, etc., are important landmarks to facilitate genealogical research. This compendium cites available records in each state, and notes organizations and individuals who are currently updating the data.

Microforms holds Federal Census for Iowa on microfilm for the following years:

1840 - 1880	HA371.5 [date] C45x
1880 Soundex	HA371.5 1880 C45x Index
1890	not available, original records destroyed by fire
1900	HA371.5 1900 C45x
1900 Soundex	HA371.5 1900 C45x Index
1910	HA371.5 1910 C45x
1920	HA371.5 1920 C45x
1930	on order

Reference Books to U.S. Census in Microforms Center (on the Reference shelf in the Microforms Center)

Iowa 1840 Territorial Census Index	MICRO REF F620 J28 1979
Iowa 1850 Census Index	MICRO REF F620 J34
Iowa 1860	MICRO REF F620 J35x 1987
Federal Population Censuses 1790-1890	MICRO REF HA37 U548 1978
Federal Population Census 1900	MICRO REF HA37 U5482 1978
The 1910 Federal Population Census	MICRO REF HA37 U5483x
The 1920 Federal Population Census	MICRO REF HA201 1920c

Genealogy Web Sites

Ancestry.com Inc. Orem, Utah http://www.ancestry.com	A very comprehensive site, some services and searches are free, some are only available by subscription. Annual memberships are $59.95, quarterly; subscriptions are also available. The site claims members have access to over 800 databases and 200 million names. Site includes search engine.
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet http://www.cyndislist.com	A good starting place for beginners, this popular site boasts over 40,000 to links to a broad range of sites. No index or search engine.
Ellis Island http://www.ellisislandrecords.org/	Passenger records of Ellis Island and the Port of New York between 1892 and 1924 are the primary feature of this site. Someareas of this site require registration, which is free. Other areas of this site require membership in the Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation ($45.00/year).
Familytreemaker http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com	A very comprehensive searchable site. Some fee-based services available. Features printable census abstract forms for research.
Helm's Genealogy Toolbox http://www.genealogytoolbox.com/	Well organized, searchable site claiming 50,000 links in categories such as: groups and societies, adoption, how-to & help, libraries and archives, reunions. Site includes The Journal of Online Genealogy.
RAND Genealogy Club http://www.rand.org/personal/Genea/	Some interesting features such as information and resources by region, ethnic and religious groups; also: cousin relationships & foreign languages.
USGenWeb Project http://www.usgenweb.com/	Organization is by county and state, links are provided to state websites which provide gateways to county sites. Goal of providing websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the U.S. is still somewhat short of all 3100 U.S. counties.
Vital Records Information State Index http://vitalrec.com	Information about where to obtain vital records for each county of every state.

Additional resources

Important records of Iowa genealogical history are located at:

Division of Vital Records
State Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
515/281-4944
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/health_statistics.asp#vital

State Historical Society of Iowa (two locations)
402 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1806
319/335-3916

600 E. Locust
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290
515-281-6200
http://www.iowahistory.org/

Iowa Genealogical Society
628 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa   50309-1924
515-276-0287
http://www.iowagenealogy.org/

Other sources of genealogical and historical material are:

The Newberry Library
60 West Walton Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312/943-9090
http://www.newberry.org/

The Ames Public Library has a large (and growing) genealogical reference collection, courtesy of the Story County Chapter of the Iowa Genealogical Society.

Materials of the Family History (formerly the Genealogical Society) Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, are available on microforms and CD-ROM and may be used by contacting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2524 Hoover, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Guide C4
April 2002

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