Genealogy Databases available from the Library

Central Library offers an extensive genealogy collection available to the public for in-house use, as well as a selection of general genealogy materials that may be checked out. The collection's scope is largely for states east of the Mississippi River, concentrating on the original colonial states and Florida, though we do have some materials from west of the Mississippi.

The Library offers access to these online databases and services:

• Heritage Quest, powered by Ancestry.com and accessible from home with an eligible library card
• Manatee Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, meaning that library computers grant access to millions of additional records, accessible only on library computers at any location with a free FamilySearch account.
• Genealogy LibGuide
• Request an Obituary
  

Types of materials included in the genealogy collection at Central Library:

• Census Indexes and records in either book or microform format. Sporadic collection.
  
• Historical vital records (e.g. birth, marriage, death records, etc.), Sporadic collection.
  
• General “how-to” references on tracing family records, how to do research or how to obtain and organize genealogical data
• Maps, gazetteers, and atlases that assist in defining geographic boundaries of localities in this collection
• State, county, city, or township histories that trace or identify early settlers or suggest research sources
• Materials that identify or trace geographic name changes
• Books or pamphlets that identify national migration trails, or ethnic migration patterns or dates
• Nationally recognized genealogical periodicals; periodicals and newsletters from genealogical societies
• Military rosters, church records or other community registers
• Materials on international ancestry including immigration and passenger lists, general guides to international research source, and books that trace a particular nationality’s arrival, migration, and settlement in the U.S.

Please note: library staff are unable to provide extensive genealogical research. If you require extensive research assistance, you may wish to consult with a professional genealogist from the Association of Professional Genealogists or the local Manatee Genealogical Society for guidance.