As one of the premier locations for genealogical research in the state of the Connecticut, the Bridgeport History Center is constantly expanding its collection to meet the needs and interests of genealogists of all backgrounds. In addition to providing superior reference resources for various corners of the state, the Bridgeport History Center hosts a monthly genealogical roundtable and special speakers who focus on today’s hottest topics.
Researching one’s family history means gaining a robust set of skills to search across databases, maps, books, and archival documents. The Bridgeport History Center is here to facilitate access to resources and help build those skills.
Below are the resources that we have available for researchers, guides for special areas of interest, and a toolkit of useful forms for download and use.
Researching Genealogy at the Bridgeport History Center
Our genealogy research guides are meant to help those just getting started with their research, and provide support on trending topics within the genealogy community. More will be added soon, so be sure to check back.
Genealogy Resources and Toolkit
Our resources guide contains information about major sources of genealogical information within the collections of the Bridgeport History Center. This includes a listing of our databases, a list of major periodicals available in our reading room, and other material that researchers access time and again.
Within the toolkit you’ll find helpful forms that you can print and use to help organize your research. Just print the form out and you’re good to go. Included in the toolkit are printable family trees, pedigree charts, cemetery forms, research charts, and more. There are also links to other helpful sources like a perpetual calendar and old handwriting guide.
Genealogy Site Links
Today, there are hundreds of web sites devoted to genealogy research in all subject categories. Typical topics for sites include:
- ethnic, country, and national origin
- religious institutional records
- vital and probate records
- cemetery records, obituaries, and funeral homes
- tutorials, guides, forms, and charts
- research organization and genealogy software
- societies and organizations
- libraries, archives, and other repositories
- newsgroups, forums, message boards
- land and financial records
- military and veterans
- dna and medical research
The Historical Collections maintains a small list of links that it uses to assist patrons in their research. Check out our brochures section for department guides, forms, and charts.