Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Archives
- Do I have to wait to use a microfilm reader, or is there a time limit?
- What can I bring or not bring into the research room (i.e. laptop, notebook, etc.)?
- What type of records do you have?
- What do I need to know to research my family tree?
Do I have to wait to use a microfilm reader, or is there a time limit?
Researchers are assigned microfilm readers in 2-hour blocks of time, which may be renewed if there is no waiting list. With 31 microfilm readers, there is rarely a waiting list.
What can I bring or not bring into the research room (i.e. laptop, notebook, etc.)?
Researchers may bring laptop computers, notebooks, digital cameras, etc. into the microfilm research room.
What type of records do you have?
Census records, ships passenger lists, and other records used for genealogical research. See our section on Resources Available to You for more information.
We have microfilm copies of basic documentation of nation-wide records for the study of history, economics, public administration, political, genealogy, and other subjects. See our section on Historical Documents for more information.
What do I need to know to research my family tree?
There are 2 types of records beginning genealogists may want to look at. For Census records, you only need to know the name of an ancestor living anywhere in the United States or its territories between 1790 and 1930.
For Immigration records (ships passenger lists and records of Canadian border crossings), you often need to know the port and date of arrival, the individuals name, and the name of the ship. Some of this information can be found in Census records between 1900 and 1930. In some cases, an index may be available listing the passengers by name.
See our section on Genealogy Resources Available to You for more information on these 3 types of records.
