For those diving into the depths of their family history, the keys to the past might just be in your wallet—but we're not talking cash. We're talking about your Hillsborough County Library card, which, according to a recent article by Hillsborough County, opens the door to a trove of genealogical resources at the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC).
Whether you're taking your first steps into ancestry research or you're a seasoned pro looking for that elusive piece of evidence, HCPLC's got you covered. At the John F. Germany Public Library, one of the largest genealogy collections in the Southeast awaits, complete with the Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection that showcases over 20,000 images chronicling the Tampa Bay area's growth from the late 19th century right through to the 1960s, the collection isn't just extensive, it's one of only two in the state that boasts such in-depth resources, helping flesh out the lived experiences of ancestors whose stories are etched into the fabric of local history.
The Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library fills the gaps specifically for African American genealogy enthusiasts facing the unique challenges in tracing lineages marred by inaccurate records and migratory patterns post-Reconstruction. In an effort to bridge these historical discrepancies, Saunders Library offers resources like the Freedmen's Bureau records, which, as detailed by Hillsborough County, "may provide valuable information from war pensions, bank records, and land purchases, such as where the individual was born, relatives, beneficiaries, and profession." And let's not overlook Saunders Library's Hall of History that beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the legacy of what was once known as the Harlem of the South.
Not to be outdone, C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library houses a pivotal archive for the African American community, preserving decades of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and collections of Ebony and Jet magazines, sources that contain a wealth of birth, marriage, and death announcements crucial for anyone trying to add branches to their family tree. Through these archives, tales of love, loss, and life's significant milestones find permanence, an archival dance of community narrative and personal remembrance intersecting with greater historical epochs.
Beyond the physical collections, library card holders can explore digital frontiers with databases like Ancestry, My Heritage, and the recently added FamilySearch database; this last one is tagged by Hillsborough County as "one of the most comprehensive genealogical databases in the world," for those who prefer their sleuthing with a side of technology, HCPLC staff are always on hand to guide through the maze of records, offering pointers as you piece together your historical puzzle.
