Research & Homework

Ancestry.com Library Edition

(This database is only available at the library)

The Ancestry Library Edition collection has approximately 4,000 databases including key collections such as U.S. Federal Census images and indexes from 1790 to 1930; the Map Center containing more than 1,000 historical maps, Social Security Death Index (updated monthly); WWI Draft Registration Cards; Federal Slave Narratives; and a strong Civil War Collection.

Digital Maryland

Online collection of Maryland Historical and Cultural documents, images, audio, and video held by Maryland Institutions.  Headquartered at the Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource

Heritage Quest

HeritageQuest Online is designed specifically for patrons in public libraries who are either just beginning their family research or who after years of work are still uncovering their past.

History Reference Center

Features full text reference books, encyclopedias and non-fiction books.

*This database will not be renewed by the Maryland Libraries Consortium and will no longer be available after June 30, 2019.  Please save your work and information before this date.

Sanborn Maps, 1867-1970

Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867-1970 provides access to more than 660,000 large-scale maps for more than 12,000 American towns and cities.  Sanborn fire insurance maps are the most frequently consulted maps in libraries, and are valuable historical tools.  In electronic form, Sanborn maps allow users to easily manipulate the maps, magnify and zoom in on specific sections, and layer maps from different years.

Western Maryland’s Historical Library (WHILBR)

Online collection of local photographs, newspapers articles, indexes, rare books and more.