The concept of the United States as a “melting pot” of cultures has been around for hundreds of years. The idea, that people of various cultural backgrounds could come together to form a homogenous national culture, is one that has inspired debate around its success or even its value for nearly as long. Regardless of how you feel about it, one of the outcomes of this cultural melting pot has been to inspire individuals to search for a sense of connection to their heritage. Even before the development of DNA testing services that could tell you about your genetic makeup, genealogy has been a fascination for people of all different backgrounds.
Genealogy relies upon archival records and research in order to trace one’s family history. These records can reveal stories of ancestors, cultural traditions, and historical events that shape who we are today. For some, it provides a sense of belonging to a larger narrative, while others seek answers to questions about their lineage, health, or ethnicity. It can truly be thrilling to contextualize our families in history.
If this is something that appeals to you, you are in luck! The Sheridan Libraries provide access to a wide variety of primary resources and historical documents that can be used to find your place in history! You can see the wide variety of digital primary sources that are available here. You may also consider taking a look at some of our biographical resources.
Among the resources Johns Hopkins provides, one of the best for genealogy is AncestryLibrary.com. From within this database, you can search census records, documentation of life events like marriages, births, deaths, etc., and even military and immigration records.
Can’t find what you are looking for online? Consult our Interlibrary Loan department or take a look at some of the records we have available on microfiche and other formats.