Senator John Heinz History Center
Genealogy Research
The Thomas and Katherine Detre Library & Archives contains an extensive collection of books, maps, archival materials, periodicals, ephemera, and photographs--all documenting the history and people of Western Pennsylvania, especially the Pittsburgh region.

The following is a resource list from the collection to start your genealogy research:

• Census indexes for Pittsburgh and Allegheny City 1790 – 1880
• Pittsburgh city directories 1815 - 1974
• Various maps and atlases of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas
• Returns of ministers for marriages in Pittsburgh 1875 – 1885
• Books and serials of Pennsylvania county histories
• Large collection of genealogies and biographies
• Originals and microfilm of many early newspapers from Pittsburgh and surrounding areas
• Biography, business, and obituary files, as well as general subject vertical files pertaining to neighborhoods, events, organizations, etc.
• Civil War records and regimental histories
• Death notices from Pittsburgh newspapers indexed from 1786 – 1912 on microfilm
• Church histories and cemetery information

For research help, please call 412-454-6364 or e-mail library@heinzhistorycenter.org for an appointment. Fees are associated with research services that require more than 15 minutes.

Handouts:

Basic Sources of Information


Genealogy: Where to Start


Western Pennsylvania Resources Outside of Allegheny County