PA Ancestors Genealogy Guide Books
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Colonial Pennsylvania Genealogy Research Communities and Revolutionary Era Records, 1681-1790
If your ancestors lived in Pennsylvania between 1681 and 1790, the records of their lives are scattered across hundreds of archives, churches, historical societies, and digital collections. This book maps where those records are — and which ones survived.
Colonial Pennsylvania Genealogy Research is a directory of surviving records from Pennsylvania's colonial and revolutionary era. Community by community, it identifies what records exist, where they are held, and what researchers should know before diving in — from Quaker meeting minutes to German Lutheran church registers to privateer crew lists.
The book covers 20 distinct communities — including Welsh, Scots-Irish, German Lutheran, Reformed, Moravian, Jewish, Catholic, African American, and Native American — plus records from the American Revolution (Patriots, Loyalists, and privateers), vital records, tax lists, court records, and the published Pennsylvania Archives series.
This is the third book in the PA Ancestors Genealogy Guides series, following Pennsylvania Vital Records Research (2022) and Archives in Pennsylvania for Genealogy Research (2023). Published for America's 250th anniversary year.
Includes:
- 29 chapters covering colonial communities, religious denominations, and Revolutionary War records
- A guide to Pennsylvania's county evolution and border disputes
- Detailed coverage of the Pennsylvania Archives published series across all nine series
- Records for often-overlooked groups: privateers, Loyalists, indentured servants, free and enslaved African Americans
- Repository listings for archives, historical societies, and digital collections
- Comprehensive index with 228 entries
📖 #1 New Release in Mid-Atlantic History on Amazon

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Archives in Pennsylvania for Genealogy Research
A Genealogy Research Guide to Records in Archives, Libraries, Colleges, Courthouses, Genealogical Societies, Historic Sites, Historical Societies, and Museums
Genealogists researching in Pennsylvania face challenges finding their family history. Pennsylvania's historical records are scattered across over 800 different archives. Millions of records are stored at historical sites, museums, libraries, government buildings, universities, historical societies, and genealogical societies.
Inside this book, you will discover:
• How to search archive catalogs and finding aids
• What kinds of records are stored in each type of archive
• How to work with archive staff and volunteers on your research
• What to bring on a research trip to an archive
• How to hire a researcher to search for you
Archives of Pennsylvania will turn any frustration with genealogy research into joy. You'll feel the pride of finding your ancestors and experience the thrill of original historical documents. Get ready to connect with your ancestors and make new discoveries for your family history!
Includes Bonus Downloads: Research Focus template, Ancestor Profile Template, and Common Terms Used in Archives

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Pennsylvania Vital Records Research
A Genealogy Guide to Birth, Adoption, Marriage, Divorce, and Death Records from the Colonial Era to Today
Learn how to find every created vital record on your Pennsylvania ancestors from 1682 to today.
This genealogy research guide gives the history, state laws, and processes for birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, county vital record registrations, adoptions, and divorce - plus how to include DNA results in your research.
Be confident you have every possible vital record. This guide will explain what was created and where to find it.
Includes: Research Checklists, Pennsylvania Archives and Repositories, Common Vital Records Terms, and Pennsylvania State Laws

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