Online Genealogy Resources

ArchiveGrid includes over 7 million records describing archival materials, bringing together information about historical documents, personal papers, family histories, and more. With over 1,400 archival institutions represented, ArchiveGrid helps researchers looking for primary source materials held in archives, libraries, museums and historical societies.

Ancestry Library Edition is an enhanced version of popular consumer genealogy database Ancestry.com. Ancestry Library Edition is only available when using a computer inside the Shrewsbury Public Library (NOTE: It is not compatible with Google Chrome). Ancestry Library Edition resources include:

• New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820–1957
• Social Security Death Index (SSDI)
• Birth, marriage, and death records for the United States, Canada, the British Isles, and elsewhere
• U.S. Federal Census records, 1790–1950
• World War I and II draft registration cards
• And much, much more!

The Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States includes chapters on the natural environment, cartography, settlement, population, and towns, political parties, military history, and more, from the 15th through 20th centuries.

Cyndi's List is one of the most comprehensive listings of online genealogical websites, including tutorials for both beginners and more experienced researchers.

David Rumsey's Map Collection includes more than 150,000 maps ranging from around 1550 to the present, from atlases, globes, wall maps, school geographies, pocket maps, books of exploration, maritime charts, and a variety of cartographic materials including pocket, wall, and manuscript maps.

SteveMorse.org provides many resources for finding immigration records, census records, vital records, and for dealing with calendars, maps, and foreign alphabets. Standout resources include those on Ellis Island and Castle Garden, as well as Jewish genealogy.

FamilySearch is one of the largest genealogical database in the world, created and maintained by the Church of Latter Day Saints. It is free to search and use the database, but you will need to create an account to access this resource.

Fold3 provides access to original military records, including service records, registers, rosters, stories, photos, and personal documents. Many of the records come from the U.S. National Archives, The National Archives of the U.K., and other international records. Note: You must be using a computer inside the Shrewsbury Public Library to access Fold3.

HeritageHub allows you to explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices dating from 1704 through today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information, and find potentially unknown family members. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid–1900s, and original obituary images. Access is available 24/7.

HeritageQuest Online provides web access to:

• Immigration records
• Family and local histories book collections
• Wills and probate records
• City directories
• Tax lists
• U.S. Federal Census records, 1790–1950
• U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI), 1935–2014
• And much more!

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston offers monthly programs, special interest groups, individual help with research, and a comprehensive beginner’s course. They have an extensive collection of research materials and publish an award-winning journal, Mass-Pocha. Presently, all JGSGB programs are offered via Zoom.

The Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives
Access to historical information for the Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives is now provided by the Digital Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts State Archives and Commonwealth Museum is located at 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and the University of Massachusetts Columbia Point campus. The archive and museum houses an interesting archaeological museum of early Massachusetts artifacts. The Massachusetts Archives preserves and makes accessible the essential historical records of state government and provides assistance to researchers.

National Archives (NARA) is the official U.S. Government archives repository. The main archive is in Washington, D.C., but there are seven regional branches of NARA around the United States. The nearest NARA branch — located at 380 Trapelo Road in Waltham, MA — has complete U.S. Census records for the entire country in addition to other resources restricted to the northeast region of the U.S. This branch is presently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. To submit a request for information, call 781-663-0144 or 1-866-406-2379 (toll-free), or email boston.archives@nara.gov, and, per their policy, they will respond to all requests within 10 business days of receipt.

Founded in 1845, The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the oldest such organization in the country, and houses a vast collection of records dating back to Colonial times. Despite the name, it includes data from throughout the United States.

The New York Times TimesMachine is a searchable, digital, image archive of The New York Times going back to 1851. For in-library use, click the previous link and create a NYTimes account or log in. For outside the library, click this off-site link and click "Redeem," then create an account or log in to add 24-hour access to your NYTimes account. TimesMachine can also be accessed in the hamburger menu on the top-left side of the NYTimes webpage under "More."

Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive, consisting of more than 708 million pages of historical newspapers from more than 22,400 newspapers from around the United States and beyond. Search for obituaries, marriage announcements, birth announcements, social pages, national and local news articles, sports, advertisements, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle pages, comics, and more. Note: You must be using a computer inside the Shrewsbury Public Library to access Newspapers.com.

The Shrewsbury Historical Society has many documents and artifacts pertaining to Shrewsbury history and families.

TIARA (The Irish Ancestral Research Association) is a non-profit organization promoting the growth, study, and exchange of ideas among people and organizations interested in Irish genealogy, historical research, and education. Monthly meetings, conferences, newsletters, and the website educate and entertain TIARA members and foster interaction with other Irish researchers.

The Worcester Public Library contains a large genealogy collection and research space that is open to the general public. It is also an official FamilySearch (Church of Latter Day Saints) Affiliate Library, which gives it access to limited-access FamilySearch databases.