Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania Card Catalog - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection consists of images of the card catalog in the reference room of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for the years 1553 to 2015.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * The title of family history books in repository
 * The library file number
 * Author
 * Publication date and place

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The place where they lived

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the Category
 * 2) Select the Item of Interest to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
Whenever possible, view the original records to verify the information and to find additional information that might not be reported. These pieces of information can lead you to additional records and family members. It would be wise to contact the Historical Society to gain access to the record. You may also find helpful information on the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's website.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the information found to locate additional records for your family
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community
 * Search for vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death
 * Search church records for additional information about the family
 * Search for land and probate records

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor used multiple names throughout their life, look for all their names
 * Check in surrounding localities for your family
 * Look for variations on the surname

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Pennsylvania.
 * Pennsylvania Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.