GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT AT PASCAGOULA

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Genealogy and Local History Department

Welcome to the Genealogy and Local History Department of the Pascagoula Public Library. Begun several years ago, the department has grown extensively during the past few years. Today, the collection continues to expand through increased purchases and donations and from the support of the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society and its members.

LIBRARY HOURS: Presently the Pascagoula Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Customers may call the Genealogy and Local History Department at 228-769-3078 or ask questions by e-mail to: SHERRY OWENS, pggen1@jgrls.org

The Genealogy and Local History Department is located at the Pascagoula Public Library which is located in downtown Pascagoula at 3214 South Pascagoula Street, at the eastern end of Downtown Plaza. The library is easily reached from U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate 10.

The Genealogy and Local History Department, located on the second floor of the Library, houses approximately 5,000 volumes which include: Family histories -- Guides to genealogical research -- Census indices -- City directories -- Cemetery records -- State and county histories -- Death record -- Land records

The collection is especially strong in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana material. Mississippi material consists of county histories and records, including a complete 22 volume set of Mississippi Cemetery and Bible Records covering the entire state as well as marriage records of every Mississippi county.

Every effort is made to provide reasonable assistance to those needing it. Through a cooperative effort with the Jackson County Historical and Genealogical Society, volunteers will assist researchers in using the materials when staff is not on duty. Staff and volunteers can help researchers locate information on small communities which no longer exist, information on old houses, cemeteries, businesses and industries, and where and how to write for vital records.

The Library is partnering with the Jackson County Historical and Genealogy Society which meets at the library's meeting room each month. Visit their new web-site at www.jchgs-ms.org.

BEFORE YOU VISIT

-- Read this article about Genealogical research on the Internet (click here).

-- Read a book on how to do genealogy research.

-- Make notes on the names of parents, grandparents and other family members, including maiden names of wives, if known.

-- Know the towns and counties where these people lived and the approximate time period of their residence in these places.

-- To have a starting point, inquire about birth and death dates from family members and other sources.

BOOKS AND MATERIALS
In our collection there are books on almost all other States and some foreign countries such as England, Ireland and Scotland. There are several books devoted to heraldry, including guides to the meanings of names and color illustrations of coats of arms and crests.

Books in the collection are shelved according to subject or the state to which they pertain. Browsing the shelves is encouraged and wheelchair patrons will find the collection of resources easily accessible.

SPECIAL AIDS
A Locator File for Southeast Mississippi and Southwest Alabama is available for the period 1850 and prior. Alphabetical by surname, each card provides a location and any pertinent information available on the individual as well as various references to consult. An obituary index for local newspapers from 1873 through the present is also available.

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