MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM
AND RESEARCH CENTER
RESEARCH LIBRARY
110 Pequot Trail
Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338
860-396-6897
Researching Family History
If you are visiting the Research Library in an effort to learn more about yourself and your family
history, we would like to assist you. Although we are not a genealogical library, which means
that we do not have all the records necessary for you to conduct a complete search of your
ancestry, we do have some material to assist you as you embark upon your search.
The Genealogy Area in the Research Library Reading Room has the following resources:
General Guides:
Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources.
The historical background and a detailed listing of resources available from each of the
fifty states plus the District of Columbia make this book invaluable for those conducting
family research.
Black Roots in Southeastern Connecticut, 1650-1900.
In 1774, southeastern Connecticut was one of the largest slaveholding sections of New
England. Because of that, the people brought here formed the many families that have
originated in this area. This material is arranged alphabetically by surname or by given
name when a surname is unknown.
The Gale Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes
This material will introduce you to the history and culture of various Native American
tribes throughout the United States and Canada.
The Genealogist’s Address Book
This is an invaluable source of information for national and state addresses and includes
contact information for ethnic and religious organizations. Since contact information is
subject to frequent change, it is advisable to use the most current available edition of this
book.
List of the Research Library holdings of federal census, land records or vital
records in Connecticut and Rhode Island. We do not have a complete set of records
for every county in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Our census records are not indexed.
Native American Genealogical Sourcebook
This convenient guide includes all the information required to begin genealogical
research for those of Native, Asian, African or Hispanic American heritage. You will not
be able to locate this book easily in your local area, so we strongly suggest that you
review this source before leaving the Research Library.
Binder of Local Tribes
This material has been compiled by the staff of the Mashantucket Pequot Research
Library. The information has been collected from various sources about the tribes
historically and currently located in Connecticut.
The Reference Encyclopedia of the American Indian, First Nations Tribal Directory
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, “Tribal enrollment criteria are set forth in
tribal constitutions, articles of incorporation or ordinances. The criterion varies from
tribe to tribe, so uniform membership requirements do not exist.”
Once you have completed your genealogical research and you know the tribe of your
ancestor, then you are ready to contact the tribe directly and inquire about enrollment
criteria. The two books mentioned above will help locate contact information for many
tribes in the United States and Canada.
Searching For Your Ancestors: The How and Why of Genealogy
Constructed in a historically informative framework, this text covers the methods of
searching for family history in a variety of locations. It also addresses the needs of those
whose heritage originated overseas or within the Native American, Canadian, Puerto
Rican, Mexican and Cuba communities.
Shaking Your Family Tree: A Basic Guide to Tracing Your Family’s Genealogy
This book is a basic guide to libraries and archives and other public and private
depositories that contain useful genealogical information.
Shaking Your Family Tree: A Basic Guide to Tracing Your Family’s Genealogy
Workbook
This is an excellent workbook for the beginning researcher. It illustrates and explains the
basic forms needed for efficiently recording your research and provides blank forms for
your use.
The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy
Known as the “bible of genealogy,” this is an essential research aid meant for use by
those who are just beginning their research as well as by experienced researchers.
Records held on Microfilm
Census Records
Connecticut 1790-1930 (66 Reels)
Holdings for some years are incomplete.
There is no census record for 1890.
These records are not indexed.
Rhode Island 1790-1920 (49 Reels)
Holdings for some years are incomplete.
There is no census record for 1890.
These records are not indexed.
Vital and Land Records
The Mashantucket Pequot Research Library maintains vital and land records for New London
County. Patrons may visit the Library to view these records. If there is a particular record in
question, it is advisable to call prior to visiting to check on the availability of the record.
Online Resources (available from any computer)
www.ancestry.com
some material available free, subscription-based with free trial. U.S. Census information.
http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693
Social Security Death Index
http://www.genealogy.com/
a sub-site of ancestry.com, containing links and instruction
http://genforum.genealogy.com/
links to discussion threads on the above
www.familysearch.org/
free site, contains instruction, tools, links, affiliated with The Church of Latter Day Saints
HeritageQuest
This database contains indexed census records, books of family and local histories,
genealogy and local history articles, revolutionary war records and the records of the
Freedman’s Bank for African Americans. Avaialble through www.iconn.org in
Connecticut. Click on “Links to Individual Databases,” locate and click on
HeritageQuest ONLINE.
http://www.genealogyspot.com/
selected links and instructional resources
www.cyndislist.com
free site, containing links to many genealogical resources
http://www.archives.com/genealogy/free.html
free online service
http://www.genealogytoolbox.com/
oldest genealogical site
http://www.familyhistory.com/
free site, especially good for state break-outs
Native American Specific
http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/
access genealogy
http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/text/idc002656.pdf
from the United States Office of Public Affairs – Indian Affairs
http://rwguide.rootsweb.ancestry.com/lesson25.htm#Native American
rootsweb guide to Native American Genealogy
American Native Press Archives
Based on Surname
http://www.surnameweb.org/
links recommended, based on surname
http://www.freesurnamesearch.com/
links to databases and records transcriptions
Genealogical Societies
http://www.americanancestors.org/home.html
website for the New England Historic Genealogical Society, located in Boston
http://ellisisland.org/genealogy/index.asp
genealogical site of Ellis Island Foundation
http://colonialancestors.com/
user-supplied information on Colonial era records
Connecticut
http://www.ctgenweb.org/
part of the USGenWeb Project
http://www.cslib.org/genealogy.htm
CT State Library Genealogical pages
http://www.connecticutgenealogy.com/
variety of CT genealogical sources, linked
Connecticut State Library
231 Capital Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
(860)757-6580
http://www.cslib.org
www.cslib.org/indians.htm
www.cslib.org/handg.htm
www.cslib.org/index.htm
CT Historical Societies
www.cslib.org/history.htm#HistoricalSocieties
CT Genealogy Societies
www.cslib.org/genesoc.htm
Family History Centers in Connecticut:
Goshen (860) 491-5227
Groton (860) 536-5102
Hartford (860) 242-1607
Madison (860) 245-8267
Manchester (860) 643-4003
Middletown, Godfrey Memorial Library www.godfrey.org
New Canaan (203) 966-8475
New Haven (203) 387-2012
Newtown (203) 426-1752
Southington (860) 628-0617
Indian and Colonial Research Center
PO Box 525
Old Mystic, CT 06372
(860) 536-9771
Massachusetts
http://magenweb.org/
part of USGenWeb Project
http://www.massachusetts-genealogy.com/
records by county, town, and type
http://www.archives.gov/northeast
National Archives Northeast Region
New England Historic Genealogical Society Library
99-101 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116-3087
(617) 536-5740
www.newenglandancestors.org
Rhode Island
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rigenweb/
part of USGenWeb Project
http://www.rigensoc.org/
RI Genealogical Society
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rigenweb/cemetery/
database of historic cemetery transcriptions by surname
The Research Library has a guide to the noncurrent Federal records available for research at the
National Archives – New England Region. These records date from 1789 to 1987 and do not
exist elsewhere in their original form. For access to this guide, please see the Librarian.
If you do not want to complete the research yourself, you can hire a genealogist to do the work
for you. The following groups can be of assistance in that regard:
The Association of Professional
Genealogists
PO Box 40393
Denver, Colorado 80204-0393
http://www.apgen.org/
Board of Certification of
Genealogists
PO Box 14291
Washington, D.C. 20044
http://www.bcgcertification.org/