The Genealogy Branch of the West Florida Public Libraries houses an extensive collection of genealogical and local history resources. Library staff and West Florida Genealogical Society volunteers are available to assist with research.
Genealogy Collection
Available for use inside the Genealogy Branch Library, the non-circulating collection focuses on the Southeastern states but also includes many books on the Northeast, Midwest, and Middle Atlantic States. Our collection covers many conflicts including the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and many more. There are additional references for African-Americans and Native Americans, as well as resources for international genealogy.
Our circulating collection includes “How To’ genealogy books, history books, and DVDs.
Databases
Database resources are available free with your WFPL card at any branch. A wide range of source materials are referenced including: military, census, immigration records, city directories, family history books, and more.
Ancestry Library Edition – In-library use only (see temporary exception below)
Search billions of U.S. and selected international records and discover your family’s story.
Temporary Access to Ancestry Library edition due to COVID-19.
Family Search – Discover your family history. Explore the world's largest collection of free family trees, genealogy records, and resources. No library card is needed, but you will have to create a free account.
WFPL is now an Affiliate Library with special, in library only, access to more files than are available outside the library.
HeritageQuest – accessible in the library or at home with your WFPL library card. This database includes digitized Federal census records, local history and family history books, city directories, military records, the U.S. Serial set, Freedman’s Bank Records, and many more including some international resources.
ProQuest Historical and Recent Newspapers – U. S, Southeast Collection including the Pensacola newspapers (and some other southeast papers):
- The Pensacola Journal (morning paper – 1905-1985)
- The Pensacola News (afternoon paper – 1956-1985)
- The Pensacola News-Journal (Sunday paper – 1955-1985)
- Pensacola News Journal (1985-2012 in Historical and 2011-recent (delayed 3 months) in Recent)
Genealogy Websites
View a list of genealogy websites here.
Local History
Books, local city directories, telephone and cross directories (primarily Pensacola), maps, and newspaper clippings are available.
Microfilm
Microfilm that are available include:
Pensacola newspapers including the
- The Pensacola Daily News and later changed to The Pensacola Journal from 1889-1919)
- Pensacola News Journal from 1954 through 2019
- Some local newspapers from 1828-1846 including the Pensacola Argus, the Pensacola Gazette, the Neutral, and the Democrat.
Escambia marriage and “delayed” birth records, Fisher-Pou Funeral Home records, the Hollingsworth card file, and some others
Obituaries, etc.
Obituaries or other local information may be requested via email at genealogy@mywfpl.com. Please include your location and phone number in your email. Or you can call or mail our branch for more information. Please be as specific as possible and give some background information to help find what you are requesting.