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Genealogy: General Resources

Find both the library's and the internet's genealogy resources here, with links to local interests, research advice, and topical newsletters.

Genealogy Resources at the Library

Find Obituaries in our Catalog

You can find obituary information for an individual through the library catalog.  Start by searching the Marmot catalog.

From the dropdown menu, which states, "Mesa County Libraries", select "Genealogy Records."  This link features a screenshot with more details.  

To search, you can choose name or keyword.  The initial screen displays matching names with birth and death date information.  If you click on the person's name, you will see the information you need (such as a date and page number of the original obituary) to retrieve the obituary from the Daily Sentinel's microfilm.  Access this webpage to let us know if you would like a demonstration.

Newspapers on Microfilm

Microfilm readers are located just outside of Rashleigh Regional History Room entrance at the Central Library.  There, you can find two dedicated computers with auto microfilm readers.  

The microfilm articles available are from the Daily Sentinel between 1893 and 2010.  Articles from 2010 to the present (with a brief lag) are in electronic PDF format and accessible on the microfilm computers.  Please note that we are missing the following reels of microfilm: January 1950, February 1950, March 1950, February 1981, and January 1993.  The Tomlinson Library at Colorado Mesa University may have access to these reels.

Additional articles from the Grand Junction News are available at the Central Library of Mesa County Libraries from 1882 to 1918, as well as Weekly Sentinel articles from 1897 to 1918.  

Genealogy Assistance

Mesa County Genealogy Society members are available for one-on-one research assistance at various library locations throughout the year.  The sessions rotate between the Central Library, Fruita Branch Library, and Palisade Branch Library.  Registration is limited, but drop-ins are welcome, as time permits.  Please check these dates on our event calendar for registration details.

Library Databases 

Our database, HeritageQuest Online, features census data, digitized family and local history books, genealogical and local history periodicals, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, and the Freedman's Bank Records. 

This link provides guidance on how to use HeritageQuest Online.  

Our database, Ancestry Library Edition is for in-library use only.  This link shares a demonstration on how to use Ancestry Library Edition.  

Our database, MyHeritage includes billions of historical documents from over 48 countries, millions of historical photos, public records, indexes, and additional resources.

General Genealogy Websites and Directories

Mesa County Libraries offer in-library access to FamilySearch, which can be used to search for ancestors and access research advice.  

Access Geni, a free, social-networking, collaborative organizational site to let family members anywhere contribute to the family tree.

Access USGenWeb for genealogy sources, information, and research tips provided by a nation-wide volunteer network.

Use WorldGenWeb for international genealogical and historical records.

Access Roots Web to find links to free websites and databases.

Use Cyndi's List for over 270,000 genealogy sites, with articles, tips, records, and more.

Linkpendium features links to genealogy information by state.

Find Vital Records, provided by the National Center for Health Statistics, for guidance on where to request vital records.

Access National Archives to learn what resources the Archives have and how to get them. Browse other tips, hints, tutorials, and research advice, as well.

Use the County Clerks website to access a directory of every county clerk's office in the United States.  There are over 3,000 county clerks offices that this site has contact information for.  Find a county clerk in your state today and get access to the information that you are looking for.

Access Native American Genealogy for resources on researching Native America lineage.

Book a librarian

This webpage to Book a Librarian at Mesa County Libraries provides library cardholders individualized 30-minute appointments for help with business, genealogy, health, local history, technology, book and author questions, and more.