As people, it’s natural to want to know where we came from and who came before us. Genealogy Day is the second Saturday in March, this year falling this past weekend on March 14th. This is a good excuse to set aside some time to research your family tree, ask loved ones for family stories, and learn more about your family’s personal story. Today’s blog will explore different groups, museums, and clubs dedicated to genealogy that can help you on your journey.  

 

Ann Arbor 

• Ann Arbor District Library– offers a variety of free resources, including library editions of search software and digitized versions of local newspapers going back as far as the 1690s! Email [email protected] to have a librarian search for an obituary.  

• Bentley Historical Library (UM- North Campus)- Has a reading room, as well as databases to aid in tracing your family tree. The library is free and open to the public. Must create a free library account. Call (734) 764-3482, option 2 for more information.  

• The Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County– assists members with tracing their families and sharing genealogical resources. Meetings are hybrid; in-person meetings are held at the Trinity Hospital Administration Building. Meetings are free and open to the public.  

• Washtenaw County Vital Records- Genealogy– Call (734) 222-6720 to make an appointment to conduct genealogical research. Can help find birth and death records, marriage records, and naturalization indexes. Some fees may apply. 
  • Also offers appointments to conduct genealogical research.  

 

Chelsea 

• Chelsea Area Historical Museum– aims to preserve Chelsea area history, educate the public, and promote the restoration and preservation of historic buildings and sites for future generations. Memberships available. Museum open to the public. Call (734) 800-1850 for more information.  

• Chelsea District Library– offers access to Ancestry Library and MyHeritage Library Edition, as well as Family History Obituaries. Also offers Family History Index Online. 
  • Also offers access to Chelsea Register of Births and Deaths 

• Chelsea Senior Center– Genealogy Help Group meets every other month. Facilitated by Bill O’Reilly, the group is a great place to ask questions and get help with genealogy research. Call (734) 475-9242 for more information.  

 

Dexter 

• Dexter Area Historical Society– operates a museum and works to preserve historical buildings. The museum’s Genealogical Department contains a limited collection of local family history. Email the department at [email protected] to set up an appointment. The museum can also be reached by phone at (734) 426-2519.  

• Dexter District Library– DDL is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, meaning patrons have access to the FamilySearch genealogy database while at the library.  
  • Also offers a slide/negative scanner to preserve historical photos. It’s suggested that users bring their own flash drives (they are also available for purchase at the library). Call (734) 426-4477 to make an appointment to use the scanner.  

 

Manchester 

• Claire Reck Local History Room– located at City Hall, this room maintains a collection of materials that detail the history of the city of Manchester and the surrounding townships. Must make an appointment in advance. Call (734) 428-8045 or email [email protected] for more information.  

• Manchester Area Historical Society– local nonprofit that promotes an appreciation of local history through the collection of historical documents and historical building restoration. Memberships available. Email [email protected] for more information. 

• Manchester District Library– has a page on their website with resources for genealogists. Also carries a variety of history books.  

 

Milan  

• Milan Area Historical Society– collects and safeguards historical artifacts related to Milan and the surrounding townships not covered by other historical societies. The Friend Hack House displays local history, artifacts, and items from Milan families. Email [email protected] for more information.  

• Milan Public Library– houses a collection of local history and genealogy materials. Must call (734) 439-1240 to make an appointment. Additional genealogy resources available on the library’s website.  

 

Northfield Township 

• Northfield Township Area Library– has a page on their website with resources for genealogists. Offers free access to Ancestry.com (must be accessed at the library). Also carries a variety of history and genealogy books (see website for partial list).  

 

Pittsfield Township 

• Pittsfield Township website– outlines the history of the township, including the oral history project and cemetery information.  

• Pittsfield Township Historical Society– offers historical tours, community programs, and historical building restoration. Visit their website to view upcoming events or call (734) 972-6016 for more information.  

 

Saline 

• Historic District Commission– offer two self-guided historical tours of Saline. Call (734) 429-4907 for more information or to receive a brochure.  

• Saline Area Historical Photos– this joint effort by the Saline Area District Library, Saline Area Historical Society, and the University of Michigan houses a searchable collection of over 1,000 photographs of Saline ranging from the 1860s-the late 1900s.  

• Saline Area Historical Society– runs the Saline Depot & History Museum, hosts educational events, and maintains information on Saline landmarks. Also maintains a list of additional helpful websites. Email [email protected] for more information.  

• Saline District Library– has a page on their website with genealogical databases.  

 

Ypsilanti

• Digital Commons @ EMU– hosts a series of downloadable books on Ypsilanti’s history in honor of the city’s bicentennial in 2023.  

• Ypsilanti District Library– hosts the Michigan-Ypsilanti Heritage Room on the second floor of their Whittaker branch. The room includes a microfilm reader, featured collections, books, maps, photographs, oral histories, historical documents, and more. Items must remain in the library but may be photocopied. Click here to view a list of Heritage Room materials.  
  • A.P. Marshall African American Oral History Project- A collection of interviews of Ypsilanti residents who lived through the Jim Crow era, fought racism during WWII, and led the local Civil Rights movement. 
  • Genealogy and Family History Bunch– meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to share stories, research techniques, and old photos while socializing with other patrons interested in genealogy and family history. Meets at the YDL Whittaker branch.  
  • Genealogy Search– searchable index of vital records available in the Ypsilanti commercial newspaper.  
  • Washtenaw African American Genealogical Society (WAAGS)- shares resources to navigate the complex embedded resources of African American ancestry. The group’s last meeting at the YDL will be on March 21st. Email [email protected] for more information.  
  • Ypsi Stories Podcast– produced by the Ypsilanti District Library, these short episodes cover a wide range of topics related to Ypsilanti’s history. New episodes are released on the first Wednesday of each month. Ypsi Stories is also available wherever you find your podcasts. 

• Ypsilanti Historical Society– tour a museum in a historical home or visit to study their archive database. Call the archives at (734) 217-8236 for more information. 

• Ypsi Real– has a piece on Ypsilanti’s timeline and history in honor of the city’s bicentennial in 2023. 

 

Helpful websites  

• Chelseahistory.org  
• Digital Michigan Newspaper Portal  
• Family History Research at the Library of Michigan 
• Find A Grave 
• Michiganology.org  
• Storiesofchelsea.org  
• Washtenawhistory.org