Genealogy
Local resources and online tools for family history
Genealogy sources range from card files to phone apps. This page links to resources for beginners through professionals, with an emphasis on Windham County, Vermont.
Guides to Successful Genealogy Research
- Getting Started, by Ann Lawthers of the New England Historic Genealogical Society.
- Windham County Vermont Resources for Researchers by Jerry Carbone of Whetstone Brook Genealogy.
Join the Local Genealogy Community
The Windham County Genealogy Interest Group welcomes genealogy enthusiasts with all levels of experience. The group meets throughout the year, with in-person and online options for participation alternating venues between the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro and the Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls. It’s facilitated by genealogists Jerry Carbone and Wayne Blanchard. For more information, please contact the Reference Desk.
Search for Ancestors Online
Records of Brattleboro Cemeteries compiled and generously shared by Marjorie Howe, digitized and made accessible by WCGIG. The originals are housed in the library’s local history collections.
*Ancestry Library Edition in-library use only (but no library card required). A great place to start, for both beginners and experienced genealogists. It’s accessible free to all on-site at the library, using our computers or yours.
FamilySearch Another good place to begin your research. Start by setting up a free account for basic access from home. If you would like to delve deeper, visit the Brooks Memorial Library building on Main Street in Brattleboro to access additional records that are only available on-site.
*American Ancestors in-library use only (but no library card required). Databases from the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, whose scope, despite its name, extends well beyond New England. It contains unique searchable data, such as records of visitors to Brattleboro’s famous 19th century Water Cure establishments.
Historical Newspapers
Chronicling America Historical from early days through 1921 from many U.S. States, including Vermont, free to all through the Library of Congress. Offers some advanced search options that are not available in Vermont Historical Newspapers.
Vermont Historical Newspapers Accessible to Vermonters with a free MyVermont.gov account Vermont historical newspapers from early days through the present via newspapers.com. Especially useful for newspapers after 1921, which is the cutoff date for the Chronicling America database.
Other Libraries and Collections
Brattleboro Historical Society welcomes genealogy researchers. 230 Main Street, #301 Brattleboro, VT 05301; (802) 258-4957;
Brattleboro Town Clerk offers help accessing Brattleboro vital records and other records of interest to genealogists. 230 Main St, Ste 108, Brattleboro VT 05301, (802) 251-8157, Office hours: 8:30AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Vermont State Archives and Records Administration Use the archival records exploration tool to find information on Vermont historical records and resources, and communicate with VSARA Reference Archivists.
Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene, NH maintains a library and research service, including access to genealogical resources for NH/VT and beyond.
