Genealogy

Compiling your family history?  Looking for graves or birth certificates?  You can start here at the Adams County Library

Adams County Library resources

  • Local Newspapers on Microfilm

ACL has microfilm of several local newspapers that are not available digitally.  Check Adams County Library holdings at this link.  The Library will do a search for coverage of a particular event or story if you can provide a good date for the event.  We request a self-addressed stamped envelope and $5 with the request.  Checks can be made out to Adams County Library, and mailed to Adams County Library, 569 N. Cedar St., Adams, WI  53910.  Questions?  Please call the library at 608-339-4250, or email the Library at ACLibraryWisc [at] gmail.com.  For state newspapers, use BADGERLINK

  • Local Obituaries

To request an obituary from a local newspaper, send $2 (checks to Adams County Library) in a self-addressed stamped envelope to Susan Moran, Adams County Library, 569 N. Cedar St., Adams, WI  53910.  Please provide the correct date of death if you have it, or as close a date as possible.  Email the Library at ACLibraryWisc [at] gmail.com with questions.

  • Maps

Historic maps are a good source of information for places that have changed their names.  ACL has plat maps going back to 1957, as well as a few older maps of the county. 

  • ANCESTRY online database

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ACL provides access to the Library edition of Ancestry.com.  This database will give you free access to genealogy information from all over the United States, Canada, and several foreign countries. This link is only available when you are in the Library.  It will work on your own wireless PCs and tablets, as well as the public workstations that use the library network or the Wi-Fi.  Click here for the link to the in-library version of Ancestry.   

When you are not in the library, try out some of the basic features of Ancestry using this link: http://www.ancestry.com

 

Other Online Genealogy Sources

This free genealogy research database gives access to records from many repositories. You will need to set up a free account to use the information.

Cyndi's List provides links to websites that help genealogy work, including online tutorials on using various software

The Wisconsin Historical Society holds records for Wisconsin births, deaths, and marriages, along with large collections of online photographs and documents.  You can order official copies of Wis. records online.  See the website for their fees.

Find-A-Grave is a wonderful research tool to locate graves of people all over the US and Canada.  New information is added daily.  The website is free to use.  Searchers are invited to request photographs of graves.  A free account can be set up to help you keep track of family graves you have found on the website.

Using the historic site of Ellis Island as a starting point, this website provides useful information about immigration through Ellis Island, a major entry point where up to 10,000 immigrants were processed each day.  The webpage includes links to websites for genealogical research, including Ellis Island's own searchable database of immigrants between 1892 and 1924.  Adams County Library thanks Ava and Brook Gray who alerted us to this wonderful resource.

SEE the CIRCULATION DESK for more online resources

Adams County Historical Society

Adams County has a wonderful historical society that will provide help as you research your family history.  Check out their website at http://adamshistory.com/.