Genealogy
The Washington Carnegie Public Library in has an extensive genealogy collection that includes microfilm, local histories, family histories, yearbooks, city directories, cemetery records, plat maps and other records in paper form. Due to the large volume of requests and the amount of time it takes for research, please allow 2-4 weeks for your request to be processed. Currently, there is no charge for a request that takes less than 20 minutes for us to retrieve; if we feel the request will be lengthy, we will contact you, and a small research fee will apply.
Please use the form on the Contact Us page to send your request.
Databases
WCPL subscribes to Ancestry Library Edition and Newspaper Archives. Both databases may be used free of charge in the library. Remote access is not available.
Digital Files
The Daviess County Indiana Museum has a plethora of digital files for your convenience. Please visit their website for more details: Click Here!
Indiana Web Resources
Daviess County Historical Society & Museum– Local organization dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of the genealogical and historical aspects of Daviess County.
Indiana Genealogical Society – Statewide organization dedicated not only to preservation of information regarding the early settlers of Indiana but also developing interest in the people who were responsible for forming the state of Indiana.
State Historic Architecture & Archaeology Record Database – Also known as SHAARD, this database may be used to search cultural resource information on known historic and archaeological resources throughout Indiana.
Indiana Naturalizations – Searchable database of persons who were naturalized in the state of Indiana before 1951.
Indiana Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project – For anyone interested in volunteering to restore a cemetery.
Indiana State Archives – Contains online indexes pertaining to primary-source and historical documents that relate to Indiana’s heritage.
Indiana County Research Guides – These Indiana County Research Guides provide an overview of information and resources available at the Indiana State Library as well as free resources from around the internet. The guides are not intended to be exhaustive, but merely to provide an introduction to research in Indiana.
Indiana State Library Genealogy Division – The State Library has one of the largest collections of family history information in the Midwest including 40,000 printed items. Some indexes and databases may be accessed online through their website.
Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society Listing – Link to a listing of Indiana’s History and Genealogy associations throughout the state.
Other Web Resources
African American Genealogy – A good place to start searching for your African American Ancestors
Bureau of Land Management General Land Office Records – Searchable database that provides access to more than five million Federal land title records issued beginning in 1820. Also includes images related to survey plats and field notes dating back to 1810.
Cemeteries – A cemetery transcription library for cemeteries around the world including collections containing flooded cemeteries, National cemeteries, etc.
Daughters of the American Revolution – Organization whose membership has ancestors who were involved in the Revolutionary War. Offers free searches of their records without having to be a member
Cyndi’s List – Categorized and cross-referenced list of free and subscription (payment required) resources available on the internet.
Dead Fred – Searchable genealogical/ancestral photo archive.
Ellis Island Records – Searchable database of 51 million passenger records.
FamilySearch – Family history and genealogy website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Find A Grave – Searchable database of over 210 million graves.
National Genealogical Society – Organization dedicated to the promotion of researching family history and a place to learn more about how to get started with your research.
The National Parks Service Civil War Project – A searchable index of Civil War Soldiers and Sailors.
Purchase Duplicate Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates from the UK – How to order birth records from the United Kingdom for a fee.
Roots Web – Search for ancestors near and far (worldwide).
Social Security Death Index – Free access to 89 million United States citizen death records.
State Libraries in the U.S. – State Libraries are a great place to start searching for ancestors who do not live in your area. Sometimes there are searchable databases of information available online. Or you may write and request the information you are seeking. Be sure to check for details such as the specific location, possible fees, forms to fill out and send in, etc.
USGenWeb – Genealogy information that is organized by State and County.
Wikipedia: List of online newspapers – some are free and some are not. Worldwide list including all of the United States. This list is not comprehensive but it is a good place to start searching for your ancestors.
WorldGenWeb – Similar to USGenWeb, but the genealogy information is organized by Country.