Family History & Genealogy

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.  However, its collections also cover pre-migration from Europe, the genealogical “stepping stones” across the Caribbean, and out-migration to Canada. The following is a small sampling of collections and sources available at the society.  Please refer to our online catalog or a Reference Librarian for further assistance.

 

Family Papers and Manuscript Collections

 

The society holds many diaries, journals, family trees, and related family documents and manuscripts that contribute to the understanding of many family histories.  Collections of particular interest include those of many of Pennsylvania’s founding families, including Penn, Logan, Norris, Pemberton, Drinker, Shippen, Cadwalader, Chew, Biddle and Powel.  Additional materials for less prominent families also abound. 

 

Wills and Deeds

 

The society holds microform copies of wills and deeds for many Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware counties.  Generally indexed and often abstracted, these records are usually available for the period from the first year of record through the 19th century.  [Please note that estate inventories and administrations for Philadelphia County are not available at the society and may be found at the Philadelphia City Archives.  Please see our handout on Vital Records or a Reference Librarian for further information.] 

 

Genealogical Scrapbooks and Research Folders

 

Originally compiled by members of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, the society’s collection of scrapbooks and family history folders contain original research pertaining to literally thousands of family lines.  Information on specific names researched can be found in our online catalog.

 

Tax Records

 

Available in both original and microform format, tax records for Philadelphia and other tri-state localities can reveal information on family relationships, occupation, residences, and general economic status.  Information on specific years and localities may be found on our online catalog.

 

Church Records

 

A large number of the records of the region’s many churches, meetings, and synagogues may be found within the collections of the society.  Available in original, transcribed, abstracted, and microform format, they offer invaluable access to information on births, marriages, deaths, burials, and community activities.  While many are indexed, a large number have not been, and thus require patience in reviewing them.  Information on specific churches and denominations represented in our collections may be found through our online catalog. 

 

Death and Burial Records

 

In many instances, official records of deaths were not compiled until after the Civil War.  However, church records often contain information about deaths or burials in church graveyards.  Philadelphia maintained semi-official records of deaths prior to 1860, documented in the Board of Health Cemetery Returns, 1803-1860.  For the period after 1860, the Philadelphia Death Register, 1860-1903 is the most comprehensive source for Philadelphia County. 

Records for dozens of current and past cemeteries in the region are also available, including Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Odd Fellows Cemetery, and Greenwood Cemetery.  The society’s collections also include a number of undertaker’s records.  Most notable are those of the Oliver H. Bair Company, the Andrew J. Bair Company, and David H. Bowen and Son. 

 

Census Records

 

The society holds census indexes and films for Pennsylvania from 1790-1900 (and the entire country for 1850).  Materials available for additional states vary widely.  Please see our handout on Census Records or speak to a Reference Librarian for further assistance.

 

Passenger and Immigration Records

 

While the society does not hold many original passenger or immigration lists, its collections do include an extensive number of indexes and published abstracts.  Notable among them are Filby’s Passenger and Immigration Lists Index and Philadelphia Naturalization Records, 1789-1880; Philadelphia Passenger Lists, 1883-1948 [microfilm]; and the Germans to America, Italians to America, and Migration from the Russian Empire series. 

 

Published Sources

 

The library contains one of the largest collections of published family histories, many of them rarely available elsewhere.  In addition, published biographies, personal narratives, church histories, and general county and township histories provide a wealth of genealogical information. 

 

Newspapers and Periodicals

 

A number of newspapers have been indexed for obituary and marriage notices.  Particularly noteworthy are the indexes to Poulson’s Daily Advertiser (1796-1839) and the Philadelphia Public Ledger (1836-1875).   Many other newspapers are available in original or microform format. 

 

Information Note

 

Many of the society’s published and unpublished holdings are available through the online catalog available at www.hsp.org.  Links for collection-specific finding aids and databases may also be found at the Web site.  Reference questions may be directed via email to library@hsp.org or by calling 215-732-6200 x209. 

 

Philadelphia Repositories

 

Click here for a list of Philadelphia respositories, including Philadelphia records by record group.