Links
Catch a wave and surf out to all the places that relate to my family...
Last modification 07/21/2005
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Janice J. Gerda
jgerda at kent.edu
©2003-2005
Janice J. Gerda
Please let me know if you use this information
Coming: a list of links to my favorite surfing places to visit when I'm diggin' for roots (let's mix land and sea metaphors!)
To start, here are a few:
The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History - The whole thing on-line, linked, searchable! Awesome! Since so much of my family history took place in the Cleveland area, and since I grew up in the area, this source is unending fun. Kudos to CWRU (my alma mater) for putting it on-line.
Ohio's Genealogy Guide - Some nice listings and links.
Rootsweb.com - The main page is overwhelming and not infrequently sends you in loops to where you began, but if you have patience you can sift through the links and search engines.
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - Very nice idea. It's on my to-do list.
Cleveland Necrology File - Hosted by the Cleveland Public Library. Wow, I searched this thing 10 years ago on microfiche. This is much faster and easier.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps - Scanned images of maps made for insurance purposes in the 1890s-1930s. Best for big cities or small towns with some sort of industrial base at the time. Database for Ohio is available several ways: try the Cleveland Public Library site and search databases (library ID required.) They are also available at the OhioLink Digital Media Center, which can be accessed by most Ohio college and university library users. (The maps might be available elsewhere - I found two routes and that was enough for me.) I can also link you to a good page on how to read Sanborn maps.
OPLIN Genealogy - Ohio Public Library Information Network's list of Ohio genealogy links.
Ohio Death Certificate Index - The Ohio Historical Society's index. Although it only covers 1913-1937, it can kick up names and give you a certificate number so you can laser in on the certificate itself (which has the specific info.) Also, the OHS site itself has a lot iof interesting Ohio history "stuff" if you have Ohio roots.
Western Reserve Historical Society - The WRHS has a treasure of a research library, and you should go there and do research if you can get to Cleveland. It's collection is focused on the Western Reserve (NE Ohio) but the genealogical resources are very rich for New England (from whence many Ohioans came) and the midwest/west (to which many Ohioans went.) Steep admission - $7.50 for adults unless you're a member. They do have a nice, downloadable pedigree chart.
