Genealogy
Whether you are looking for information online or in print, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library's Virginiana Room at Fredericksburg Branch provides a welcoming harbor for genealogists and historians, experienced or not.
Discover your family history with help from these online resources and our friendly staff.
Starting Out
Those who are new to family research can use online resources to begin their genealogical journey.
Ancestry for Virginians
The Library of Virginia provides access to select collections and content through an agreement with Ancestry.com.
A Checklist for Genealogical Neophytes
Want to start researching your family history? Complete this helpful checklist before you begin!
The Virginiana Room
The Virginiana Room at Fredericksburg Branch is the place to go if you want to learn more about ancestors - especially if they lived in our part of Virginia.
People from around the country come to our library to search for their roots.
Stop by and see what we can do for you.
If you can't stop by the Virginiana Room, you can still ask us for assistance.
You might start with our obituary indexes for local newspapers, dating to 1788. Indexed obits can be found in our microfilmed copies of Fredericksburg newspapers. Look in our "family files" to see what other researchers may have found.
If your ancestor fought for Virginia units in the Revolutionary War or Civil War, this is the place to look. Early Fredericksburg city directories, lot history files and insurance maps can tell you when and where your ancestors lived in more recent times.
Finding Your Family Through DNA
Decide between multiple DNA tests with this informative article on discovering your family roots.
Getting Started in Genealogy
These books will give you a good grounding as you begin the search for your family's past.
JSTOR
Academic journal articles covering most disciplines, including arts, history, humanities, science, medicine, and law.
Genealogy in the Catalog
Resources on the Web
Websites and other web resources from local, state, and national archives, documents, and records.
Local History
Local History Blogs
American Indian Tribes on the Rappahannock
The Patawomeck, Rappahannock, Mattaponi share vibrant legacies through their oral traditions and at their cultural centers.
Fredericksburg Welcomes the Marquis de Lafayette
Learn the story of how a French aristocrat helped the United States break away from Great Britain and what happened during his 1824 return.
Local African American Historical Sites
Our surrounding counties have houses, churches, and museums of great importance to African American history and heritage.
