The Mishawaka-Penn Public Library
209 Lincoln Way East
Mishawaka, IN 46544
(574) 259-5277
This guide to genealogical resources of the Mishawaka/Penn Library will become outdated when construction ends and these materials move into their own room. However, until such time, use this guide to take you through this great collection.
There are three areas in the Mishawaka/Penn Public Library that include genealogical books. There are books in the general collection, the reference collection, and some that are stored downstairs. Library cardholders may check out the books of the general collection, but many of the books downstairs and all of the books in the reference collection must be used at the library. The rarest or most expensive of the books are kept in a locked case near the reference desk. You may ask the reference librarian for access to the case.
There are many books in both the reference and general collections. The basic organization of the collection is:
There are both local and national indexes in the reference collection. Local indexes include:016.929 - Bibliographies and Catalogs
362.734 - Adoption Search Books
929-929.3 - "How-to" Genealogy Books
977-977.3 - County histories; Biographical Memories; Histories; Biographical & Vital Statistics Indexes
If your doing research in Mishawaka the Library recommends you check The Mishawaka Enterprise Vital Statistics Index 1858-1981, by David Eisen. This book lists where to find names from birth, death, marriage and divorce announcements in the Mishawaka Enterprise and the Mishawaka Fair Dealer newspapers.
The Library also has indexes to many local cemeteries that are useful for establishing birth & death dates and family relationships. Among these are:There are also indexes for the census data the Library has on microfilm. These indexes can be found in the R317 section. They include Indiana Territory for the 1807 and the 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850 and 1860 Federal Population Census of Indiana. Also indexes for the St. Joseph County censuses from 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1910.
Another good way of beginning your Mishawaka area research is to check the Libraries collection of local histories. Some of these include:The Library has most of the South Bend and Mishawaka City Directories. The oldest are microfilmed and the more recent years are stored in the basement. A clipping file (the Mishawaka Files) is located in locked cabinets near the microfilm collection.
There are several good books in the collection regarding immigration histories of various ethnic groups. These include:In the locked case there are genealogies of Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia and Pennsylvania families. You can find a collection of family trees in Ancestor Charts Submitted To The South Bend Area Genealogical Society By The Descendants Whose Ancestors Resided In St. Joseph Co., IN Prior To 1876 (locked case). Another fine source is Mildred Cordiers Genealogical Information From Family Bibles Owned By The Northern Indiana Historical Society (locked case).
The Library has a wonderful collection of microfilm, including a large selection of area newspapers. It is very helpful to begin any microfilm search with an idea of the date of the event you want to find; browsing newspapers is very time consuming. In addition to newspapers, the Library has census information for all counties in Indiana between 1820 and 1920. These are in the metal cabinets next to the Mishawaka Files. Here youll also find the complete collection of the County Histories of the Old Northwest Series III, Indiana and Series II, Ohio. Several other historical collections are available on film as well as some of the CRIMP records for Indiana.
Be advised that during construction, locations may change and availability may be limited. If your coming from out of town, you might was to contact the Library ahead of time.
©1998-2007 South Bend Area Genealogical Society - South Bend, IN
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