Have you heard? Our Genealogy department has a new name!
Family history research is evolving—and so are we. Today, researchers are looking for more than names and dates; they’re uncovering the stories, places, and connections that make their family’s histories come alive. That’s why we’re changing our name to Family and Local History—to better reflect the heart of what we do: helping patrons explore not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived and the communities that shaped them.
Understanding Our Researchers
Our department supports patrons at every stage of their research journey, including:
1. Collecting family names
2. Gathering detailed information about those individuals
3. Exploring the broader social and historical contexts of their lives
With the advancement of technology, the rise of online databases, and tools like AI, researchers are now able to gather basic family information much faster. As a result, we’re seeing more patrons who are working within stages 2 and 3 of their research—seeking deeper insights rather than just names and dates. In other words, our role now often goes beyond records—we help bring the stories behind the names to life.
The Canton Repository Archives on Microfilm
Building on Our Move to Temp Main
That broader focus grew even stronger with our recent move to Main at 1020 Market Ave. N when the Genealogy department incorporated the Local History collection from the Reference Department. This was a perfect pair. You really can’t do meaningful genealogy research without local history because our ancestors didn’t live in isolation. They were part of communities, neighborhoods, workplaces, and organizations that shaped their lives.
Section on Federal and State Census
From “Genealogy” to “Family and Local History”
This evolution in our work is reflected in the growing use of the term “Family History.” As Val D. Greenwood explains in The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy (4th ed., p. 3):
“Genealogy is a branch of history that relates to families, so the term ‘family history’ also fits our subject. It is a ‘softer’ and more comfortable term—one that invites people to get involved and suggests personal connection rather than cold, hard data. Keep in mind, however, that merely changing the name does not simplify or change the nature of the work.”
Our patrons will continue to represent a wide spectrum—from beginners tracing their roots to advanced researchers exploring the forces that shaped generations. By updating the name from "Genealogy” to “Family and Local History,” we are creating a more cohesive space to not just discover who people were, but how they lived and interacted with the world around them.
Our Family & Local History department is now located on the second floor of our temporary Main Library, conveniently near the elevators. While the location has changed, our exceptional services remain the same.
Family and Local History Staff
Start with us and explore your roots with help from our knowledgeable staff or dive into research on your own using Ancestry Library Edition—FREE at any Library location or logged into any Library computer. Whether you're just beginning or deep into your ancestral journey, we’ve got the map to guide your way.
