How do I start?

• Getting Started in Genealogy
  Learn how to start researching your family history. Includes links to online tutorials, forms, useful websites and a list of resources.
• Handbooks and How-Tos
  Lists general manuals, bibliographies, guides, etc., for various age groups, types of records, states, and counties as well as ethnic group-specific resources.
• Information about Records
  Find out what kinds of records are out there and what information you might be albe to glean from each.

Research Guides & Websites

• Placing your ancestor in context
  Find out what types of materials to consult to further your genealogy research. From Nashville Public Library Special Collections staff.
• Special Collections Division Resources of Interest to Genealogists
  An extensive list of the types of materials available in the Special Collections division.
• Search Tips for Locating Genealogy Resources in the Special Collections Division
  Lists types of sources and useful search terms.
• Recommended Genealogy Websites

What resources does the Nashville Room have that will help me start my family tree?

• Online Resources
  Marriages, Obituaries, Ancestry Library Edition (This resource can be accessed from all public computers at all library locations. License restrictions prevent home access.) & HeritageQuest Online (use from home with a library card)
• Microforms Collection
  City directories for Nashville, Cemetery records, newspapers, Census records.

What resources are in the Archives that would help me with Genealogy Research?

• Metro Archives Resources of Interest to Genealogists
  Marriage Records, Census, Birth/Death Records, Deed Indexes, Index to Original Wills, City Directories, Cemetery Records

Services & FAQs

Does staff provide reference or research services?
See Services and Fees for a description of the services available and associate fees.

Are there Genealogical Researchers who will do research for me?
The library does not offer in-depth genealogical research services. Below is a list of resources that list genealogy researchers.

• Professional Genealogical Researchers
  List from the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society; updated yearly.
• Association of Professional Genealogists
  Information on finding a professional genealogist.
• Board for Certification of Genealogists
  Allows you to conduct an online search for a professional genealogist.

Where else can I look for information after I've exhausted the library resources?

• Tennessee Libraries & Archives
  Lists libraries and archives for Middle, East, and West Tennessee.
• TN Genealogy & Historical Societies
• Friends of the Metropolitan Archives of Nashville and Davidson County
  Metro Archives collections Nashville and Davidson County government records. There is a link to their research policy and other guides that provide information about their holdings and how to obtain copies.
• U.S. & International Libraries & Organizations
  Lists libraries and research centers in the U.S. and Internationally.
• Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives
  The central central depository and archives of Southern Baptist Convention records.
• Jewish Federation Archives
  Collects the records of the families, businesses, and institutions of the Nashville Jewish community.
• Tennessee State Library and Archives
  Contains a wealth of information on their resources. Use How do I find?
  to locate adoption records, birth certificates, census records, court records, death certificates, deeds, divorce records, land grants, marriage records, military records, newspapers, probate records, and tax lists in Tennessee.
• Tennessee Vital Records Office
  Registers and maintains the original certificates of births, deaths, marriages and divorces that occur in Tennessee.
• TNGenWeb Project
  A non-profit genealogical research site devoted to Tennessee resources. The site provides message boards to post genealogical queries, a list of Tennessee-related genealogy and history events, county links, research guides on special topics, and links to records available online.