The Bridgeport History Center’s genealogy resources are one of the biggest draws for patrons not only in Bridgeport, but from around the world. But you can do genealogy research from the comfort of your own home! Some of these resources require a Bridgeport Public Library card – but many don’t. If you’re a Bridgeport resident who doesn’t have a BPL card, please click here and you’ll get your card as soon as possible!
Family Search
– Register for free and search millions of documents collected from all over the world and the LDS library catalog. (Requires a free account!)
African American Heritage
– search essential historical records for African Americans, including Federal Census, Marriage and Cohabitation Records, Military draft and Service Records, Registers of Slaves and Free(d) Persons of Color, Freedman’s Bank, and more. (Requires a Bridgeport Public Library library card)
Genealogy Center – Allen County Indiana Public Library
– free databases: African American Gateway, Surname File, Family Bible Records, Military Heritage, Native American Gateway, and more.
Cyndi’s List – massive compilation of genealogy sites arranged by category
– from adoption to countries and states to land records, to ethnic and religious groups, to veterans and world wars, and everything in between.
Family Search
– Online Consultations – sign up for a free 20 minute online consultation with an experienced genealogist from the LDS library.
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness
– get help from fellow genealogists from across the country.
Genealogy Instructional Videos
- Genealogy 101: the Basics with Ancestry.com
- Pedigree Charts and Family Group Sheets
- Brick walls in research – 3 overlooked resources
- Immigration Records – National Archives and Records Administration
- Organizing and Preserving your Family History
- Ten Steps to Writing and Publishing Your Family History
- How to Handle Old Books
- RootsTech Session Videos – Latter Day Saints
Genealogy for Kids
- Make a Family Tree
Making a family tree is a great way to help children understand how they are related to the individuals that are referred to as “family.” - 5 Exciting Activities to Teach Your Kids About Their Family History
Exploring your family’s heritage not only gives children a connection to the past, but it can also guide your child’s future. - AncestryK12
AncestryK12® offers a no-cost program for K12 schools that includes access to content from Fold3, Newspapers.com and the U.S. collection of Ancestry - Genealogy in the Classroom
Victoria Genealogy Society – fun projects and resources for students and teachers