Delaware Genealogical Information Repositories

GENEALOGICAL INFORMATION and R EPOSITORIES

This list compiled from the 1989 "Delaware Genealogical Research Guide"
(For an update, see "WHERE TO FIND PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES" in the 1997 Guide which you may purchase; see link at Delaware Genealogical Research Guide)
See also Delaware Historical Records (1995)

Libraries and most of the original record repositories where you can do Delaware genealogical research are listed in this section. There are no admission charges except where noted. Copy charges are for an 8 1/2" x 11" size either single or double-page (e.g from a book), unless otherwise noted or if book is frail. Lap-top computers may be used.

The major repositories are listed first (see the front cover of the Delaware Genealogical Research Guide for index and abbreviations) and can be located on the maps on pages 22-23 of the Guide. The most complete genealogical collections are in Delaware Public Archives (DPA), Historical Society of Delaware (HSD), Latter-day Saints (LDS, by mail order) and University of Delaware (UD); but others with large holdings are Hagley (HG), Wilmington Public Library (WL), Dover Public Library (DPL), Winterthur (WNT) and Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP). In addition to their holdings shown below, each has a collection of other printed sources valuable when researching Delaware genealogy which is shown on p. 49-50 of the 1997 Delaware Genealogical Research Guide. Return visits should be made periodically to each repository as collections are continuously upgraded and new original records are found, especially in DSA and HSD. [ › = cents]

INDEX Key In-State Facilities:

Delaware Public Archives [DPA]

Dover Public Library [DPL]

Hagley Museum [HG]

Historical Society of DE [HSD]

LDS Family History Centers [LDS]

County Government Offices

Smyrna Public Library

Univ of DE Morris Library [UD]

Wilmington Inst Free Library[WL]

Winterthur Museum Library [WNT]

Other Delaware Repositories:

Wilmington Catholic Diocese

Barratt's Chapel (Methodist)

Holy Trinity ("Old Swedes") Church (Lutheran-->Protestant Episcopal)

Lewes, Milford, Talleyville Libraries

Key Out-Of-State Facilities:

Historical Society of PA [HSP]

National Archives (Phila)[NAP]

Presbyterian Hist Society

Swarthmore College Library

Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture (Salisbury MD)

Chester Co (PA) Historical Society

Delaware Public Archives [DPA]
(302)-739-5318; FAX (302)-739-6710
Hall of Records, Bureau of Archives and Records Management
Duke of York St & Legislative Av, Dover DE 19901
World wide web: DE Archives
Directions: Rt. 13 to Court St; west on Court, bear right on Court at Legislative Hall onto Duke of York St; DSA on right at Legislative Av. Ample free parking in lot next to building.
Hours: 8:30am - 4:15pm M thru Sat (except W), 8:30a-8p W
Copies (staff): 50› paper or microfilm; $10/microfilm reel.
Research Requests: Include SASE. Requests should be for a specific record for a specific person). It is very important to include a date or approximate date of the event. LIMIT of 5 requests per person. There is no search charge, except for copies. For longer searches, a list of genealogists willing to do research can be supplied on request.
Holdings: The Hall of Records is the central repository for all the non-current records of the State of Delaware, its counties, and municipalities. Collections are continuously upgraded. Joanne Mattern's A Preliminary Inventory of the Older Records in the Delaware Archives (1979) is being updated and expanded by a new comprehensive guide to all collections describing all record series, content and date (available ? - check local repository). Among the State's current holdings are documents from the Swedish colonial period, 1638-55; the Dutch settlement, 1655-64; the Duke of York regime, 1664-82; and the Penn Proprietorship, 1682-1776. Most of the records, however, date from statehood in 1776.

Genealogical Records
Although the official records of the State contain many genealogical references, the archives has also collected useful materials from other sources. A small collection of genealogical work completed and donated by private individuals is called manuscript genealogies and is also available.

Manuscript Collections
These collections contain papers and correspondence of George Read, Caesar Rodney, John M. Clayton, and others. The largest holdings of manuscript are the Ridgely Papers, the John Dickinson Collection, and the Private Accounts Collection. The latter includes business records of storekeepers, farmers, craftsmen, and professional men dating from the eighteenth century.

Municipal Records
Municipal holdings include minutes, ordinances, resolutions, accounts, reports, and correspondence of many Delaware towns and cities including Dover, Frederica, Georgetown, Lewes, Magnolia, Viola and Wilmington.

Microfilm Records
The most useful microfilm records available are deeds, probates, selected court records and federal census schedules.

Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey;
Dover Public Library [DPL]
(302)-736-7030
45 S. State Street, Dover DE 19901 Ample parking
Hours: 9-9 MTuWTh; 9-5 FSa; 1-5 Sun
Copies (self-service): 10›
Holdings : Extensive collection of Delawareana & genealogy.
Hagley Museum Library [HG]
(302)-658-2400 weekdays, (302)-658-4674 weekends; FAX (302)-658-0568; E-mail: ljoshi@strauss.udel.edu
Buck Road, P.O. Box 3630, Greenville DE 19807
Directions: North on Rt 100; after Rt 141, take right on Buck Rd. Ample free parking.
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday, 2nd Saturday
Copies (self-service): 10› paper 25› microfilm/microfiche
Holdings : Closed stacks. Largest collection of United States city directories in state. National Union Catalog. Unique manuscript collection documenting the history of American business and technology (record repository for over 1000 firms including DuPont, Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, Phoenix Steel and Joseph Bancroft & Sons), Irish workers lists & duPont family papers. Manuscripts are in Soda House adjacent to library.
Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey
and Univ. of Rochester's web site at http:// www.history.rochester.edu/hagley/hagley.htm
The Historical Society of Delaware Library [HSD]
(302)-655-7161
505 North Market Street, Wilmington DE 19801-3091
Directions: I-95 to Delaware Av Exit; SE on Delaware/11th St to Shipley; SW on Shipley to 5th; back of library on left; metered parking on street or parking in nearby lots (e.g. one block SE at 5th & King)
Hours: 1-9pm M, 9am-5pm TuWThF
Copies (staff only): 20› paper only
Research Requests: Include SASE. Requests should be as specific as possible. Basic search service fee is $20. For longer searches, a list of genealogists who will do research can be supplied on request. See Delaware Genealogical Research
Holdings : HSD Library has the largest collection of Delaware genealogies, newspapers, manuscripts, reference files, maps, and photographs on all aspects of Delaware's history and people.
Books are kept on open shelves in the library reading room. The book card catalog is indexed by author, title and subject. Published pamphlets, rare books, and serials are available from a librarian upon request. Manuscript collections such as family papers, diaries, and the records of local organizations are kept in closed storage and are available from a librarian. The manuscript card catalog lists documents by subject as well as by the names of people and places. Inventories are available for some large manuscript collections.
The HSD library also has many genealogical references and county histories of the bordering states of Maryland (e.g. Archives of Maryland, Maryland Historical Magazine, Brumbaugh's Colonial Records, and Baldwin's Index of Maryland Wills); Pennsylvania (e.g. Archives, Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine) and New Jersey (e.g. Archives); Virginia (William and Mary Quarterly) and several references from the destination states of Delaware migrants and states of origin (e.g. the New England Historical & Genealogical Register). The Genealogical Surname File is a card catalog containing over 120,000 names and references. Church and Cemetery Records and Genealogical Family Folders are located in file cabinets at the front of the library. HSD also has several of the best "how-to" books on genealogical research which offer advice on how to get started; types of records to consult; research in other states and foreign countries; and record keeping. HSD also has a set of DAR Bible Records.
World wide web: Historical Society of Delaware
Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family History Centers [LDS]
Holdings (Available at most all LDS branches): International Genealogical Index (IGI) & Family Registry [both are lists of individuals, dates and events sent in by contributors]; Accelerated Indexing System (AIS) (mainly US & State census lists) and the catalog of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City UT. Microfilm or microfiche of any item in this catalog can be ordered to your local LDS Family History Center; In addition to the Delaware items available and listed on p.- are DE church and cemetery records, city directories, land, probate, tax and court records, histories, etc. Holdings are continuously updated.
Wilmington Stake (302)-654-1911
143 Dickinson Lane Westhaven Wilmington DE 19807
Directions: N on Rt 100 to Dickinson Lane (just N of Rt 48). Turn left on Dickinson Lane and continue until the 4th left which is also Dickinson Lane (really!). Turn left from Dickinson Lane onto Dickinson Lane; church is 1/2 block on left.
Ample Free Parking. Use right side parking lot and right side-door entrance.
Hours: 6-9pm Tues & Wed 1-4pm Wed & Thurs; 10am-1pm Saturday
Copies (self-service): 5cts paper; 25cts microfilm/microfiche
Additional Holdings(microfilm/fiche) C.H.B. Turner & Joseph Brown Turner Collections, Roots Cellar, 400 most used worldwide genealogical reference volumes, outlines on "how-to do" genealogical research for every U.S. state.
Dover Ward (302)-697-2700 [alt. (302)-736-1052]
257 Lebanon Rd (Rt 10) [at Old Mill Road] Camden DE 19934 [P.O. Box 282]
Directions: From Rt 113 at Dover Air Base, W on Rt 10 for 2.1 mi. (church is on right). From Rt 13 at Camden, E on Rt 10 for 0.8 mi, Use rear entrance; ample free parking.
Hours:10am-2pm TuWeTh, 6:30-9:30pm TuTh, 9am-noon Sat
Copies:?
Newark Branch (302)-456-9331, Chestnut Hill & Ott's Chapel Roads
Directions:I-95 to Rt 896; N to Chestnut Hill Rd, W to Ott's Chapel Rd; church on right (NE corner)
Hours: 6-9pm TuTh, 1-4 WeTh, 10-1 Sat
Copies:?
Salisbury MD Branch (301)-742-8568, Greenlawn Ave
Hours: 9:30am-2pm Tu 6:30-9:30pm WTh
Copies: ?
County Government Offices
In general, most public searching of wills and deeds before 1925 is easier done on microfilm at DSA , your local LDS Family History Center or, for New Castle, UD Copies of records cannot be obtained by writing the County offices, only from DSA. However, the Recorder of Deeds and the Register of Wills for NC, KT and SX have most of the original and/or microfilm records which can be used in their offices.
New Castle County Public Building
New Castle County Register of Wills (302)-395-7800
800 French St, 2nd floor, Wilmington DE 19801
Directions: I-95 to Delaware Av Exit; E on Delaware/11th St to King; S on King to 8th; E on 8th to French; parking in nearby lots
Hours: 8:30-5 M-F
Copies (staff): $1 paper,
Web Page: http://www.co.new-castle.de.us/rowoffices/willshome/webpage1.asp
$2 microfiche or microfilm
Holdings: wills [Indexed 1683-1920, computerized 1920-present]
Mailing Address: New Castle County Register of Wills, 87 Reads Way, New Castle DE 19720

City-County Building
New Castle County Recorder of Deeds (302)-571-7550
800 French St, 4th floor, Wilmington DE 19801
Directions: I-95 to Delaware Av Exit; E on Delaware/11th St to King; S on King to 8th; E on 8th to French; parking in nearby lots
Hours: 9-5 M-F
Copies: 25› paper, 50› microfilm, $1 microfiche (plot plan)
Holdings: Deeds: 1673-

Kent County Administration Bldg
(302)-736-2233 (Register of Wills)
(302)-736-2060 (Recorder of Deeds), 414 Federal Street, Dover DE 19901
Directions: NW corner Federal & Water
Hours: 8:30 - 4:30 M-F
Copies (staff): 25› deeds, paper only
Holdings: Deeds/wills 1680-
Sussex County Court House (302)-855-7875
The Circle, P.O. Box 111 Georgetown DE 19947
Hours: 8:30 - 4:30 M-F
Copies (staff): 40› deeds,$1 wills
Directions:just E Rt 113,town center
Holdings: Deeds/wills 1680-
Smyrna Public Library
(302)-653-4579, 107 S Main St, Smyrna DE 19977
Hours: 9-6 MWF, 2-9 TuTh, 9-1 Sat (school time only)
Copies: 20›
Holdings: Duck Creek Genealogical Collection
Univ of Delaware Morris Library [UD]
College Avenue (Rt. 896) [back side of building faces road], Newark DE 19717-5267
(302)-831-2965 (Reference desk); for hours: (302)-831-2965
World wide web: http://www.lib.udel.edu/ to search the on-line library catalog.
http://www.lib.udel.edu/ud/spec to check out Special Collections.
Directions: I-95 to Rt 896; N on 896 (College Av) ~2mi to Winslow Rd (a side road); library is on right. Limited parking on street, except off-school hours. For visitor's parking lot (50›/hr): turn left on Winslow, right on Orchard Rd, right on Amstel Av (entrance on right into lot #41)
Hours (varied): call (302)-831-2965
Copies (self-service): 5› (enlarged or reduced); 10› microfilm
Holdings : Extensive state and local history collection for the entire U.S., especially states near Delaware, New England, Midwest and South.; National Union Catalog; both the card catalog and the computer catalog should be checked. Also check rare book & manuscript collection for special references to Delaware.
Special Collections maintains the Delaware Collection, which includes printed and manuscript materials from the 1700s concerning cultural, domestic, business and social aspects of Delaware, such as family and personal papers of Delawareans, and archival records of Delaware organizations. World wide web: http://www.lib.udel.edu/ud/spec
Computer Access: Almost all of UD's collection published after 1968 and some published earlier can be accessed by by logging on to DELCAT using the web site: http://www.lib.udel.edu/ or by dialing (302)-831-6150 (NC) [1200-2400 baud only] or 831-6435 (NC) [2400-14400 baud only], 734-1472 (KT) or 645-4052 (SX). Use VT100 emulation, full duplex, parity none, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit, local echo off and set for 1200 to 14400 baud. When you get the CONNECT message, press the "return" or "enter" key until you see UDelNet>, then type DELCAT and press the "return" or "enter" key until ENTER TERMINAL TYPE appears. Then type vt100 and press the "return" or "enter" key and follow directions.
Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey
Wilmington Institute Free Library [WL] (302)-571-7416
Tenth and Market Streets Wilmington DE 19801
Directions: I-95 to Delaware Av Exit; E on Delaware/11th St to King; Library on right; parking in nearby lots
Hours: 9-9 M; 9-6 TuWTh; 9-5 FSa
Copies (self-service): 15› (paper) 25› (microfilm)
Holdings : the "Delaware Index" which is a subject and biographical index to newspaper articles (including The News-Journal and precursors) (1920s-1977 & 1989+), Conrad, McCarter/Jackson, Runk, Scharf, Welsh Tract Meeting records and articles and sections of books and magazines dealing with Delaware biographical information. The main collection in the "Delaware Room" (closed stacks) has a complete set of Wilmington City Directory books (p.), telephone directories; alumni directories and DAR records.
Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey
The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum Library [WNT]
(302)-888-4681 reference desk (302)-888-4699 manuscript collections Winterthur DE 19735
Directions: On E side of Rt 52 north of Wilmington; 3 miles south of Pennsylvania State Line. Ample free parking.
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
Copies: 5› for one page (self-service, except staff will copy rare books & manuscripts)
Holdings : Largest collection of U.S. census indexes in Delaware. Large collection of city directories on microfilm and fiche. Large genealogical, state and local history collection for the entire U.S., especially states near Delaware, New York (Gen. & Bio. Record) and New England (NEHGR). Over 100,000 manuscripts in closed stacks of 17th, 18th and 19th century origin, mostly American, including microfilm and photostatic copies of original papers from widely-scattered depositories in the United States and abroad. Large manuscript collection relating to the American decorative arts emphasizing American craftsmen and the importation of articles (furniture and furnishings and art) made elsewhere; sketchbooks, drawings, journals and letters by 18th and 19th-century painters; architectural drawings and related papers on the building of America up to 1914; and printed ephemera in the form of trade cards, post cards, and other nineteenth-century advertising art. Name indexed household inventories, account books, bills, printed billheads, letters and letterbooks, shipping invoices, printed labels and tradecards, broadsides, drawings, architectural drawings, city maps and views, etc.
Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey

OTHER DELAWARE REPOSITORIES

Barratt's Chapel and Museum
6362 Bay Road, Frederica DE 19946, (302)-335-5544
Open: 1:30 - 4:30 pm SaSu
Holdings: Archives of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church.
World wide web: http://users.aol.com/Barratts/home.html

Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Episcopal Church
606 Church Street, Wilmington DE 19801, (302)-652-5629
Hours: 10-4 Mon to Sat; also by appointment Copies : ›
Holdings:Repository for the records of the church (1697 to present). Collections include various manuscripts, photographs, printed books and pamphlets. A genealogical data file is maintained concerning church members.
Queries : Contact Jo Thompson at OldSwedes@aol.com
World wide web: http://www.oldswedes.org
Additional information: See 1995 Historical Records Survey

Diocese of Wilmington (Catholic) Archives Office
Raskob Foundation, Kennett Pk & Rt 100, Greenville 19701, (302)-655-0597
Hours: Tu 10-3; call for appointment
Holdings: Wilmington Diocese records on microfilm

Lewes Public Library 111 Adams Av, Lewes DE 19958

Milford Public Library (302)-422-8996 11 S.E. Front St, Milford DE 19963-1941
Hours: 9-8 MWF; 9-6 TuTh, 9-2 Sat
Copies: 10cts

New Castle County Library - Talleyville (302)-478-7961
Concord Pike & Whitby Rd, Sharpley, Wilmington DE 19803
Hours:10-5 M, 10-9 TuWTh, 9-5 FSat
Copies: 10cts

OUT-OF-STATE FACILITIES FOR DELAWARE GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH

Historical Society of Pennsylvania [HSP]
(215)-732-6201; 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia PA 19107
Fee: $5.00/day; free to members
Hours: 9am-5pm TuThF, 1-9pm W
Copies (staff only): 25›
Holdings : Large Delaware holdings including original manuscripts of Hart & C. H. B. Turner

Queries : Contact http://www.libertynet.org/~pahist

National Archives: Mid-Atlantic Region [NAP]
(215)-597-3000; Ninth and Market Streets, Room 1350, Philadelphia PA 19107
Hours: 8am-5pm MTuWThF; 8am-4pm 2nd & 4th Saturdays
Web: http://www.nara.gov/regional/philacc.html
Copies(self-service): 10cts (8« x 11) large census sheets are 80cts
Holdings: census microfilm (all U.S.) and indexes, Rev War pension records
Queries : Contact archives@philarch.nara.gov

Presbyterian Historical Society
425 Lombard St., Philadelphia PA 19147 or 19106 (215)-627-1852
Hours: 9-5 M-F
Holdings: records of Presbyterian churches, including Delaware if records were sent in.

Swarthmore College Friends Historical Library
Swarthmore PA 19801 (215)-328-8477;
Hours: 8:30-4:30 M-F; 9-12 Sat
World wide web: http://www.swarthmore.edu/Library
Holdings: Quaker records of Monthly Meetings subordinate to Philadelphia and Baltimore Yearly meetings, including those of upper New Castle Co DE, if records were sent in. Also Haverford College Magill Library, (215)-896-1000, Haverford PA 19041, 10 mi N has some additional Friends' records.

Salisbury State University Library
(301)-543-6130 Salisbury MD 21801
Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture
Hours: 9:30-9 MTh; 9:30-4:30 TuWF, 9-2 Sat
Copies: 10cts
Queries : Contact Becky Miller at rcdhc@ssu.edu
World Wide Web: www.ssu.umd.edu/delmarvactr.html
Holdings: Large Delaware genealogical collection, 1500 rolls microfilm

Chester County Historical Society (215)-692-4800
225 North High Street West Chester PA 19380
Admission Charge (non-members): $5.00
World Wide Web: chesco.com/~cchs

Old genealogists never die, they just find another line.

We are not equipped to answer general queries - see Submitting Queries.