Genealogy Information
SERVICES
Visits
The genealogy rooms are open during regular library hours. Although library staff cannot do the actual research for you, we will assist you in learning to use the collection. Please call ahead to confirm a staff person will be available to assist you if needed.
Correspondence
We are happy to accept your genealogy request by telephone, e-mail or in writing. Please keep in mind research conducted in the library is performed by volunteers. Your patience with regards to response time is greatly appreciated.Please send mail correspondence to:
Roaring Spring Community Library
Attn:Genealogy
320 East Main Street
Roaring Spring, PA 16673
Photocopies
Arrangements can be made to photocopy pages. See a library staff member for assistance.
Computers
Public Wi-Fi is available in the library. Researchers are welcome to bring their own research device or they may borrow a laptop with a valid library card.
Genealogy Resources
Roaring Spring Genealogy Websites
- Roaring Spring Cemeteries
- Blair County Genealogical Society
- PA Gen Web Blair County
- Blair County Township Maps
- Pioneer Library, Bedford Co. Historical Society
Genealogy Website
- Pennsylvania Public Record
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: Vital Records
- Search State of Pennsylvania public records for vital information about deaths, births, marriages, annulments and divorces. Request copies of birth and death certificates from official government websites. Do a business search, find property tax reports, access other public legal documents available online. Research your family history and genealogy through local resources.
- Where to Write for Vital Records
- Forms and requirements for requesting an official birth or death certificate, marriage and divorce records, genealogy requests and adoption registry.
- Vital Check
- Express Certificate service. Commercial firm that charges for delivery of records. From the web site: VitalChek is your official source for government-issued vital records. With secure online ordering, partnerships throughout the country, and quick turnaround, we’re the one to trust. When you need birth certificates or marriage, divorce, or death records, VitalChek is your #1 source.
City Directories
- US City Directories
- A list of all printed, microfilmed, and online city directories in the United States, and where to find them.
- Cyndi’s List of Genealogical Sites
- Collection of genealogical sites on the Internet with an international focus. Includes regional sources, sites on ethnic history, as well as some unusual/obscure sites.
- Ellis Island Immigrant Database
- The names of over 22 million new or returning immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, N.Y., between 1892 and 1924. Search by name, age, port of departure, ship’s name, or date of arrival.
Family Search
- Family Search
- Ancestor search function accesses the Ancestral File, International Genealogical Index (British Isles, North America, and Finland regions), and other genealogy web sites.
- Find a Family History Center
- Family History Centers are branch facilities of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Centers provide access to most of the microfilms and microfiche in the Family History Library to help patrons identify their ancestors.
General
- Find the graves of ancestors.
- Genealogy Learning Center
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is one of the most complete and professional genealogy centers in the nation – and the largest in the mid-Atlantic region. The Society collects genealogical materials from Pennsylvania and every other state east of the Mississippi River.
- Lost Labor
- Images of Vanished American Workers 1900-1980. A browsable “selection of 155 photographs excerpted from a collection of more than 1100 company histories, pamphlets, and technical brochures. Many of the images document factories and jobs that no longer exist.” Images may be browsed by category such as textile or automotive.
- Pennsylvania Genealogical and Historical Societies
- Local groups and local chapters of some national organizations, plus links to browse-able archives of several mailing lists.
- RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative
- Archives for Usenet groups devoted to genealogical research. Links to many national/regional Online resources, mailing lists, and a growing surname registry.
- RootsWeb
- Written by professional researchers, this multi-part tutorial shows the amateur genealogist how to locate, evaluate, and interpret source materials. Includes many useful links and sidebars.
- Social Security Death Index
- Free access to the Social Security Death Benefits Master File, 1962 to the present. Search by name, state, birth date, death date, and/or Social Security number. Note: only persons receiving Social Security benefits at the time of their death are included.
- USGenWeb
- Links to genealogical organizations by state and county with access to a variety of specialized genealogical resources.