Genealogy

The Historical and Genealogical Society’s Genealogical Library collects and makes available books, records, and materials of historical significance to the people of Somerset County with a particular emphasis on genealogy. This web page will announce new library acquisitions, publicize items of interest currently available, and inform the membership about the kinds of materials the library is seeking to acquire.

The Historical Society's Genealogical Library currently features several thousand volumes including the following resources:

1. Family Files: information contributed by researchers

2. Family Histories: published and unpublished works by other researchers

3. Census Records: indexes on shelf for 1790-1850, 1870-1880; Originals on microfilm 1790-1880, 1900-1920; 1890 records were destroyed by fire; 1930 census records for Somerset and Cambria Counties

4. Church Records

5. Church Histories

6. Cemetery Records

7. Marriage Records: on microfilm 1792-1802, 1885-1968

8. Genealogy Newsletters: index and originals of Laurel Messenger 1960 to present; Other societies in and out of county

9. County Histories: Somerset County, and miscellaneous counties in and out of Pennsylvania

10. Local Histories

11. Immigration and Naturalization Records

12. Birth records: on microfilm 1893-1908

13. Death Records: on microfilm 1852-1853, 1893-1908.

14. Obituaries

15. Estate Records: index on shelf, original records on microfilm

16. Land Records (Surveys, Warrants & Deeds): index for surveys & warrants on shelf, originals on microfilm

17. Tax Records: on shelf 1798 Direct Tax and miscellaneous years, on microfilm 1796-1879; Tax records from former Bedford County townships that are now part of Somerset County 1775 - 1793

18. Military Records

19. Maps: 18th century Harmon Husband's Walking Map, 1760s-1810s Township Surveys & Warrants, 1810, 1816, 1830 and 1860 maps of Somerset County, 1876 Beer's Atlas, "Bird's Eye View" maps of selected towns, Sandborn Fire Insurance Maps of selected towns, plat books

20. Newspapers: originals on microfilm

21. Subject Files: collected information on topics concerning the county and region

22. Surname Search Files: List of surnames other researchers are researching with names and addresses

23. Historic Resource Survey: survey of historic buildings in Somerset County

24. Delayed Birth Records 1941 - 1965

25. Reference Books

Among the countless items of genealogical interest the library currently has on hand are lists of marriages printed in the Somerset Herald for the years 1828-1831 and 1864-1885. The library also has Somerset County marriage licenses listed from 1885 to the present and the weekly newsletter of the Church of the Brethren Gospel for the years 1887-1891.

Research by Mail

The Library currently offers genealogical “Research by Mail” services to its members at a rate of $15 for the first hour and $10 per hour thereafter. Research fees for nonmembers are $20 for the first hour, $15 thereafter. Photocopies of records are $.25 each, and copies from microfilm are $.50.

For more information, please contact Society Genealogical Librarian Susan Seese at (814) 445-6077, or by e-mail at c-sseese@state.pa.us.

Click here to Download a "Research By Mail" form