Surname Index

The surname index - 60 drawers with light green labels on drawers - is an index to genealogies and local histories in the State Library, including:

  • books (Example)
  • articles (Example)
  • pamphlets (Example)
  • manuscripts (Example)
  • Bible records, including the 264-volume Bible Records compiled by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) (research value and use not limited to DAR members and families) (Example)

When using the surname card file index, copy everything on the card before taking it to one of the staff or volunteers - or going off to find it on your own.

Family genealogies in book form and microfilm acquired by the Library after 1980 are not indexed in the card file; use Excelsior, the Library's online computer catalog.

Family genealogies printed as articles in genealogical magazines can be located through periodical indexes, including:

  • PERSI (Periodical Source Index) - CD-ROM - covers 1800 to present with some 1700s material
  • Index to Genealogical Periodicals - indexes genealogical periodicals through 1952
  • Genealogical Periodical Annual Index - indexes genealogical periodicals beginning with 1962 issues
  • American Genealogical and Biographical Index to American Genealogical, Biographical and Local History Materials
  • New York Genealogical and Biographical Record
  • New England Historical and Genealogical Register - CD-ROM - dates back to 1847
  • American Biographical Index - indexes the American Biographical Archives microfiche collection
  • Biography and Genealogy Master Index - online
Last Updated: May 6, 2009