The Collection The library has an extensive collection of genealogy material including print sources, microfilm, microfiche and online and CD-ROM databases. Shelved on the main floor of the library in the Reference Department, the collection includes material from all 50 states with an emphasis on Pennsylvania, Virginia and New York. Illinois county histories and census records as well as material on DuPage County are included in the collection. Vital Records Index Index to the Vital Records in Wheaton, Illinois Newspapers Beginning 1885 The library continues to update its database of names, places and dates of births, deaths and marriages as reported in early Wheaton newspapers. Volunteers read the microfilm and record the information which is then transferred into the Vital Records Index. • Search the Vital Records Index • Find out how to volunteer Electronic Resources Online and CD-ROM databases, WebCat Online Catalog, the Vital Records Index and genealogy Web sites are accessible from three computers reserved for genealogy research. A printed list of CD-ROM resources is available at the Reference Desk. Genealogy Resources on CD-ROM • Census Records • Church Records • Probate Records • Marriage Records • Military Records • Vital Records     • Birth Records     • Death Records     • Other Sources • Wills • Land Records • Passenger & Immigration Lists Other Material • Civil War Resources. • Genealogy "how-to" books • Interlibrary Loan Wheaton Public Library cardholders may request census microfilm and genealogical books from other libraries through interlibrary loan. For more information inquire at the Reference Desk.

Vital Records Index Index to the Vital Records in Wheaton, Illinois Newspapers Beginning 1885 A database of names, places and dates of births, deaths and marriages as reported in early Wheaton newspapers. Online Databases Access the Online Databases America's Obituary and Death Notices Available to Wheaton Public Library cardholders from home Obituaries and death notices from 658 newspapers around the country. Chicago Tribune listings are from 1860-current. To see the list of newspapers, connect to the database then click see a list at the top of the screen. Ancestry Plus Available in the library Vital records, church records, town records, cemeteries and more from most of the New England states, England and Ireland Heritage Quest Online Available to Wheaton Public Library cardholders from home Census records, family histories, genealogical serials, local histories and primary sources in full image; resources on towns and families from all 50 states, Canada and the British Isles New England Historic Genealogical Society Available in the library Federal and state census records, military records, immigration records, birth, death and marriage records, and other reference sources Sanborn Maps of Illinois Available to Wheaton Public Library cardholders from home Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867-1870, chart the growth and development of towns and cities. They are large scale plans of a city or town drawn at a scale of 50 feet to an inch. Web Sites • Cyndi's List • Family Search • Ellis Island Records • Illinois State Archives • More... WebCat Online Catalog Search the online catalog View your record

Classes
The DuPage County Genealogical Society is offering a series of classes designed to help amateur genealogists begin researching their roots. The five-class series is held on Mondays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Wheaton Public Library. Cost for the series is $30 for members of the Society, and $40 for non-members. Individual classes are $10 each. All classes will focus on American sources.

• Week 1 -- Building a Firm Foundation
  Need a starting point? This class will have some answers. Tips on interviewing relatives as well as what can be found at home will be discussed. Other topics include discerning quality sources and using corresondence effectively.
• Week 2 -- For the Record
  Find out what records such as birth, marriage, probate, cemetery and death may hold for your family tree. Learn how to organize information from records using forms and computer programs.
• Week 3 -- A Sensational Source
  So widely available and useful, find out what the Federal Census records and associated indices offer. Discussion will also include an overview of other federal records.
• Week 4 -- All the News That's Fit to Print
  There's more than news in the newspaper and obituaries are featured. The class will also discuss various types of libraries and what genealogical resources you might find at each.
• Week 5 -- Full Circle
  How and where to find real sources on the web including images and text. Problem solving, the research cycle and field trip hints are also discussed.

Print a copy of the registration form and mail or deliver it along with your payment to the Wheaton Public Library, Reference Desk, 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187 or the DuPage County Genealogical Society, Box 3, Wheaton, IL 60189.
(PDF file, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Updated 8/16/07