Genealogical Resources

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“Genealogy (from Greek: γενεαλογία genealogia from γενεά genea, “generation” and λόγος logos, “knowledge”), also known as family history, is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history. Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kinship and pedigrees of its members. The results are often displayed in charts or written as narratives.”

~Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2018)

Physical Resources (available at John M. Cuelenaere Public Library)

  • Bulletin – Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Magazine.
    • Located in the Adult Magazine section
  • Métis Families.
    • Located in Adult Non-Fiction.
    • Call # REF 929.2 MOR v. 1 – v. 5
  • The Western Canadians, 1600-1900 : an alphabetized directory of the people, places and vital dates.
    •  Located in Adult Non-Fiction.
    • Call # REF 929.371 WES v. 1 – v.3
  • Henderson’s Directory for Prince Albert.
    • Located in downstairs Storage. Please ask at the Information Desk
    • Call # REF 917.124 PRI
    • Years available: 1911, 1913, 1914, 1919, 1923, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1941, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950 -1959, 1960 – 1969, 1970 – 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 – 1999, 2000
  • Saskatchewan Local History Directories.
    • Located at the Information Desk
    • Call # REF 971.24 MAI v. 1 – v. 2
  • Microform Collection of the Prince Albert Daily Herald.
    • Years available: 1888 – Present
    • Microform reader available for public use. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk
  • Census of Canada and Statistics Canada documents
    • Located in Storage area
    • Please ask for assistance at the Information Desk
  • Tracing Your Roots: Locating your Ancestors Through Landscape and History by Meg Wheeler
    • Located in Storage. Ask for assistance from the Information Desk.
    • Call # STO 929.1 WHE
  • Other various genealogy reference and guide books are located in the 929.1 section of the Adult Non-Fiction area. Ask at the Information Desk if you require further assistance.

Digital Resources

  • Ancestry Library Edition
    • This database is only available on-site at the library. This database is available for remote access until the end of 2020.
    • Ancestry Library Edition accesses thousands of databases and billions of names from documents from the 1300s to present day, from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. There are historical maps, draft cards from World War I, census records, vital statistics, parish records, family trees, ships’ passenger lists, and much more. The database is updated often, with more original images added all the time.
  • Frontier Life
    • This online collection captures the lives of people living on the edge of European settlement across the various frontiers of North America, Africa, Australia and  New Zealand. Frontier Life brings together documents from sixteen archives and libraries around the world. This geographical spread of material allows users to take a comparative approach or focus on a particular region, making it ideal for teaching and student projects, as well as more in-depth scholarly research.
  • Indigenous Peoples of North America
    • Indigenous Peoples of North America provides users with a robust, diverse, informative source that will enhance research and increase understanding of the historical experiences, cultural traditions and innovations, and political status of Indigenous Peoples in the United States and Canada. These are the primary sources that take students beyond the facts and figures of history and into a deeper understanding of Indigenous Peoples.
  • Library and Archives Canada
    • LAC combines the holdings, services and staff of both the former National Library of Canada and the National Archives of Canada. LAC’s mandate is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all.
  • Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan
    • Regina Office: 3303 Hillsdale Street, Regina,  SK S4S 6P4

Local Historical Societies

Genealogy

Tips for Family History Research

  1. Start with yourself and work backwards in time.
  2. Ask living relatives for information and family stories.
  3. Keep notes and stay organized.
  4. Check out digital resources such as databases and websites.
  5. Join a genealogical or historical society to meet other historians. Other historians can be very helpful if you get stuck or hit a wall.
  6. Check online to see if any distant relatives have already started researching your family history.
  7. Don't be shy! Reach out and contact any distant family members you find during your search!
  8. Check out some books and magazines on how to conduct family history research.
  9. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
  10. Save documentation such as birth certificates, military records, etc. in physical and digital form.
  11. Stay focused and try not to get discouraged if you hit a wall.