For two years, we received multiple requests to include FindMyPast to our list of genealogy databases. Many of these requests stemmed from the overwhelmingly positive response to our Irish genealogy lectures presented by the Ulster Historical Foundation. We’re pleased to announce FindMyPast Library Edition is now available at our library, and we want your feedback!
What can you find on FindMyPast Library Edition? Here’s a quick list of what the site provides:
United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland) & Ireland
- Millions of genealogical records
- Comprehensive Vital Records indexes
- Census records
- Modern population registers
- Military service registers
- UK and Ireland city directories
- Emigration and immigration records and passenger lists
- Apprenticeship, workhouse and school records
- Court, land and governmental records
- Exclusive access to unique records from the National Archives, British Library and Society of Genealogists
- New collections containing millions of records added monthly
United States
- Full US Federal Census (1790-1940) with images
- 38 million United States obituary notices
- 214 million United States marriage records
- Birth, marriage and death records (various by state)
- British and Irish roots genealogy collection
- World War I draft cards and World War II enlistment records
- Much more!
FindMyPast is also home to a sizable collection of Canadian and European records and houses unique record sets for colonial American and Caribbean research. You will definitely want to browse the sizable collection of record sets, as a straight search of the sight may be overwhelming. Narrow down the record sets by interest, title, category and location and keep a list of items to explore. This will really help you get to know the site and what it has to offer.
What’s the difference between an individual FindMyPast subscription and FindMyPast Library Edition? The big exclusion right now is the lack of access to the British Library Newspaper collections. However, the University of Illinois at Chicago offers all three of the largest British newspaper databases for free to researchers. Visiting UIC is completely free and open for public research. Bring a laptop to the library and request a WiFi password at the reference desk, or feel free to use one of the visitor computers on site. The visitor computers are locked down to database research only, so bring your own tablet or smartphone to access your genealogy records. Check ahead for seasonal hours and library closings. For more information on these databases as well as parking details and directions, visit their website or call 312.996.2716.
You can access FindMyPast Library Edition for free at the Fountaindale Public Library. Due to subscription limitations, you must visit the library in person to access the database. Feel free to bring your own laptop or sign in to the Local History Room at the 3rd Floor Service Desk.
To begin using FindMyPast, visit our Genealogy Resource page. All our genealogy resources and databases are in alphabetical order.
Give FindMyPast Library Edition a try today and let us know what you like or dislike about the site by emailing us at ddudek@fountaindale.org.
Looking forward to hearing your feedback!