Exploring the Library: Genealogy Resources

by Laura Kayacan, Adult Services Librarian

Local history and genealogy are very popular in Door County, and the Door County Library plays a big role in helping researchers find the information they need to understand their roots. 

The gold standard for genealogy research is Ancestry.com, and the Library Edition is available at all branches on library computers or on your own laptop while using the library’s Wi-Fi network. At this time, it’s also available at home with a link from the library’s website. This remote-access home service is available until June 30 because of COVID-19, and it may be extended. 

Besides Ancestry.com, the library also provides another genealogy source, HeritageQuest. The library’s local history and genealogy page (doorcountylibrary.org/genealogy) is full of links to these resources, along with many free, nonsubscription resources. Many of these resources are provided by the state of Wisconsin through BadgerLink, and libraries are the BadgerLink access portal. 

Are you researching your family history here in Door County or elsewhere in the world? Many people enjoy this kind of detective work and like to share their finds and new resource discoveries during our Genealogy Club, which meets via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 2 pm. 

No official membership is needed – just join the meeting by going to the Door County Library website calendar at doorcountylibrary.org/event and clicking on “Virtual Genealogy Club” on the day you want to attend. The Zoom link will let you join the discussion. There are a few regulars and others who drop by to ask questions. This is a good place to find help with genealogy-research roadblocks and just discuss local history.