Genealogical Resources

Genealogy can be a consuming, lifetime hobby. There is no "easy" way to get back to the Mayflower. The deeper you go into it, the more leads there are to follow. This guide is just a starting place, for certainly resources, especially Web sites, appear daily.

Articles & eResources

WorldCat

This database is the union catalog for approximately 46,000 libraries. It is an excellent resource for identifying published, web-based and archival resources. Use it to search for compilations of records and for family histories.(Researchers not affiliated with UNCW can get a password to use WorldCat on NCLIVE through their public library.)

HeritageQuest

This database (provided as part of the NCLIVE digital library service) provides online access for the U. S. Census.

Using the Library Catalog

Click here to search the Library Catalog

This library has a good amount of information in printed and microfilmed sources. Our concentration is mostly the Southeastern North Carolina region, Our focus is: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Sampson Counties. The collection also contains some resources from other North Carolina areas, and other states.

Search the library catalog under the Subject "Genealogy" or "United States Genealogy Handbooks" for how-to guides. Several of the titles found are e-books (indicated by the logo of NetLibrary). UNCW students, faculty and staff may access these books from off-campus by first setting up a registration from an on-campus PC. Other North Carolina residents can contact their local public library for access information.

Search the catalog, looking for the following subject subheadings:

Type of Record	Subject subheadings
Birth	Registers of birth; Birth certificates
Marriage	Marriage records
Divorce	Divorce records
Death	Cemeteries; Death--Proof and certification; Death notices; Obituaries; Statistics, Vital;
Other Church/Temple Records	Church records and registers
Wills & Probate	Wills; Probate records
Deeds & Land grants	Deeds; Land grants; Land titles
Taxes	Tax assessment; Taxation
Other Court Records	Court records; Bankruptcy; Collecting of accounts; Executors and administrators; Guardian and ward; Voting registers
Immigration	Emigration and immigration; Passenger lists;
Naturalization	Naturalization records
Slave	African Americans--[state]--[county]--Genealogy; Slave records; Slaves--[state]--[county]
Military	Military discharge; Muster rolls; Registers, lists, etc.; Veterans

Browse both the Reference and General Collections in these call numbers:

Call Number	Subject
CS	Genealogy
F251 - F259	North Carolina
F262.B45	Bladen County
F262.B9	Brunswick County
F262.C6	Columbus County
F262.D77	Duplin County
F262.N5	New Hanover County
F262.O5	Onslow County
F262.P37	Pender County
F262.S3	Sampson County
HA557	Census Records

Books & Library Materials

Suggested reference books:

African American genealogical sourcebook

Finding a place called home : a guide to African-American genealogy and historical identity

North Carolina Research: Genealogy and Local History

North Carolina State Archives: State Agency Finding Aids of Interest to Genealogists

Printed Sources: A Guide to Published Genealogical Records

Websites

Many Internet sites are available which will help you get started, but know ahead it will also take many trips to various court houses and many printed sources to find what you need.Some of these sites provide limited free information and require a subscription for more detailed access.

Cyndi's List

A good beginning point, both for "how to" and websites of genealogical information. Be sure to look at the "Are you new to Genealogy" page.

FamilySearch

Genealogy website for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. "How do I get started" is a great link for an overview of the research process.

CastleGarden.org

Free searchable database of 10 million immigrants who arrived at Castle Garden (NY), 1830- 1892, the year Ellis Island opened.

Ellis Island

Free registration allows you to search passenger lists for the 22 million people arriving at Ellis Island, 1892-1924.

Family Tree Searcher

Provides a metasearch of genealogy sites using detailed data on your ancestor.

Genealogy: Advice for Effective Searches

Leads you through a variety of questions to provide appropriate specific advice.

Geneology.org

Part of MyFamily, Inc., who also produce the subscription service Ancestry.com. Some information is provided free of charge and it provides links to the most popular Genealogy.org member websites.

Social Security Death Index

North Carolina State Library - Genealogical Services

North Carolina State Library in Raleigh has a genealogy library with many excellent resources. The Archives Search Room is located in the same building

North Carolina Family Records Online

North Carolina Family Records Online digital collection currently contains nearly 220 family Bible records (lists of birth, marriage, and death information typically written inside of North Carolina family Bibles) from the State Archives, and the six-volume Marriage and Death Notices from Raleigh Register and North Carolina State Gazette: 1799-1893, an 1,100-page compendium of marriage announcements and obituaries.

Page maintained by:

Sue Cody

Genealogical Resources

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