Skip to Main Content

Genealogy and Family History

Extensive listing of resources for genealogy and family history research.

Pennsylvania and Local Newspapers

Prior to 1885 most births deaths, or marriages in Pennsylvania were not officially recorded by state or local governments.  Local newspapers took on the role of documenting these events. In some cases specialized indexes are available (see the section on Vital Records, and the description of the Pennsylvania Room below). In most other cases you will need to find a newspaper for the region you are interested in and browse.

Databases

Pennsylvania Resources