Genealogy Research

A curated list of genealogical resources available at the Rochester Public Library

Updated April 28, 2026
RPL Staff
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https://www.rplmn.org/ancestry
https://www.loc.gov/collections/chronicling-america/

This project provides access to select digitized newspaper pages produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress.

Evidence explained : citing history sources from artifacts to cyberspace
Mills, Elizabeth Shown
Paper Book
Evidence Explained is a guide to the citation and analysis of historical sources. It begins with a simple question: Why do we invest so much of our energy into the citation of sources? Followed by the answer: Because all sources are not created equal. As a citation guide, Evidence Explained is built...
The family tree guide to DNA testing and genetic genealogy
Bettinger, Blaine T.
Paper Book
Unlock the family secrets in your DNA! Discover the answers to your family history mysteries using the most cutting edge tool available. This plain-English guide (newly updated and expanded to include th latest DNA developments) will teach you what DNA tests are available; the...
Family tree problem solver
Rising, Marsha Hoffman
Paper Book
Proven Methods for Scaling the Inevitable Brick Wall Complications arising from incomplete or missing records, census irregularities, individuals of the same name, and burned courthouses can stop even the most experienced genealogists dead in the tracks. Learn to break through...
http://Familysearch.org
Become a part of the best ancestry website community through FamilySearch, and discover how our free Family Trees and records can help you uncover your past.
Genealogy for beginners
Pennavaria, Katherine
Paper Book
A step-by-step guide to researching your family tree. Interested in doing your family tree but don't know how? Genealogy for Beginners covers everything you need to get started researching your family history or continue a project you've already started....
http://olmstedhistory.com/resources

Search indexes for local obituaries, newspaper articles, photos, weddings, probate records, census information, and military history.

https://www.mnhs.org/search/people

Minnesota birth, death, and state census records, as well as Veterans Graves Registration and WWI Gold Star Rolls.

Red book : American state, county & town sources
Eichholz, Alice
Paper Book
Family history research is easier than it has ever been. Today, with an increased emphasis on preserving local records and with the burgeoning use of the Internet and computer technology, we can discover a great deal regarding the specifics of our...
The researcher's guide to American genealogy
Greenwood, Val D.
Paper Book
This new 3rd edition incorporates the latest thinking on genealogy & computers, specifically the relationship between computer technology (the Internet & CD-ROM) & the timeless principles of good genealogical research. It also includes a new chapter on the property rights of women, a revised...
The Source : a guidebook of American genealogy
Szucs, Loretto Dennis.
Paper Book

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