Genealogy Research Guides

The guides listed below emphasize the holdings of the Free Library of Philadelphia and give brief descriptions of the holdings of other Philadelphia repositories. Keep in mind that some Philadelphia repositories have vast and unique holdings that can only be appreciated through an on-site visit. Items listed on the guides that are available at the Free Library are indicated by a call number. See the online catalog for the location of this material.

• Genealogical Resources at the Free Library



• Censuses and Census Substitutes, including tax records



• Directories



• Biographies, Autobiographies, and Diaries



• Genealogies - Published and Unpublished



• Birth Information



• Marriage Information



• Death Information



• Newspapers and Indexes



• Military Records



• The Published Pennsylvania Archives



• Passenger Lists, Immigration and Emigration Information, Naturalizations, Oaths of Allegiance, and Passports



• Deeds, Wills, Maps, and Property Histories



• Government Publications, Laws, and Case Reporters



• Local libraries, Archives, and Other Repositories