Genealogy

Guide Topic

1910 Milwaukee, Wisconsin federal census page - Wkimedia Commons

Many Americans share a piqued curiosity when it comes to learning more about their personal heritage; in fact, genealogy is commonly cited as one of the most popular hobbies.

Are you interested in learning more about your family history, but not sure where to start? Good news! The Upper Arlington Public Library is constantly updating its genealogical resources available for patron use. In this guide, we have sorted some of the most useful resources to help you get started on your journey.

And don’t forget, you can always contact a Reference Librarian by phoneemail, or in person for assistance in using our databases and eBooks.

Indexes/Databases

The library's Online Databases in most cases are available for use at home with your UAPL library card number and PIN. Please note: Links to our databases open in a new window or tab in your browser.

Ancestry Library Edition

Ancestry Library Edition - In-Library Use Only - If you are in a UA Library location, you can access Ancestry through our Online Reference Database page. Ancestry features comprehensive information for conducting genealogical and local history research. It is particularly good searching birth, death and marriage records.

Fold3 Logo
Fold3 - Available to UA Library patrons from home with a library card number and PIN. Search historic and archived US military records, including photos and documents.
ProQuest African American Heritage
African American Heritage - Available to UA Library patrons from home with a library card number and PIN. Provides records and resources for African American family history research.
Heritage Quest Online
Heritage Quest Online - Available to UA Library patrons from home with a library card number and PIN. Search census records as well as other sources like genealogy and local history magazines, family and local history books, Revolutionary War records, and Government reports and documents with this database.

Journals/Magazines

Some current issues of the following titles are available for checking out, while older issues may be available at the Main Library's Reference Department. Follow the links to the catalog or see a librarian for more information:

Archives/Special Collections

The Ohio Room in the Main Library's Reference Department houses some useful collections for local genealogy research, including:

  • County Histories
  • Cemetery Records for Franklin County
  • City and Suburban Directories dating back to the 1950s (some volumes may be missing; see a librarian to access this collection).

Search Starters