Tuesday's Tip: Finding the Full Run of Connecticut Newspapers

With obituaries that provide date of death, social columns that track vacations, and more, newspapers can be a valuable resource - but how do you locate them?  

If your ancestor was from the Middletown area, Godfrey may have the resources you need at the ready. Middletown's Penny Press covered the area in the late 19th and early 20th century - and still does today as the Middletown Press. The Library has a nearly full run of newspapers on microfilm from 1885 to 1921, as well as an index covering 1884 to 1921. 

If your ancestor was from the Hartford area, try The Hartford Courant instead. If you're a Connecticut resident, did you know you can access historic issues on ResearchIT CT? To do so, go to http://researchitct.org/, 

click on "Newspapers," the title you want to look at, and enter your library card number to begin searching. 

Stuck? Consider joining our next internet genealogy club, which will cover how to use ResearchIT CT. 

Happy hunting! 

Upcoming Event: Using ResearchIT CT for Genealogy

We all loving hear the words "free genealogy resources!"

Did you know Connecticut residents have free access to a number of genealogy databases through the database ResearchIT CT (formerly IConn)? These include newspaper databases, genealogy specific websites, and more. 

To begin, go to www.researchitct.org

For genealogy specific databases, click on "Genealogy" on the left side of the page. 

Then click on the title, and if requested, enter your library bar code.


To get more help or to find out what else is available, join us for a session on using the ResearchIt CT website for genealogy on April 18, 2016 between 6-8 pm.

Please bring your laptop. The session is free to Godfrey Premium members and open to others at $15.

Pre-registration is required. Register by calling the library at 860-346-4375. Questions? Visit at www.godfrey.org

Upcoming Event: Using the Connecticut State Library Website

Most Connecticut genealogists know the State Library is a must-visit site. They have duplicate copies of Connecticut church records, probate records, and much, much more... But did you know they also have a terrific website?

On March 21st from 6 to 8 pm, Godfrey staffer Bryna O'Sullivan will teach you  how to use the website for genealogy. Registration is required and full information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/108892012834948/.

Here's a sneak preview...

Probate records are one of the hardest types of records to use for Connecticut genealogy. Why? Because unlike vital or land records, they were never kept on the town level. Instead, probates have always been kept on the district level. Unfortunately for genealogists, those districts have changed regularly over time... so how you figure out where your ancestor's records might be located?

 Some are actually online and easily searchable. ResearchITCT gives Connecticut residents access to probate microfilms available on Ancestry.

Your ancestor's records not there? Try the guide available here to determine the correct probate district and contact the court in question...

Hope to see you Monday.