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WPGS Library Catalog

The non-circulating WPGS library collection includes family genealogies, vertical files of family research, church histories, cemetery histories, local research and the First Families of Western Pennsylvania ancestors.

About the WPGS Library

The WPGS library is housed in the Pennsylvania Department of the main Carnegie Library in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Library Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

A WPGS volunteer is on hand to offer assistance with the collection between 10am - 2pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Microfilm from the WPGS collection is only available for use when a volunteer is on duty, but books are available anytime the library is open.

Become a WPGS Member

Membership in the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society opens doors to a wealth of records and friends for those with an interest in the families of Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about membership in WPGS.

What's New

Sept. 13, 2008:
Allegheny Co., PA in the American Civil War, Professor Arthur B. Fox

Oct. 11, 2008:
Collections Held at the University of Pittsburgh Archives, Michael Dabrishus

WPGS Uncatalogued Resources

The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society holds some interesting resources that defy cataloging technique. Make sure you include these in your Western Pennsylvania research.

WPGS First Families of Western Pennsylvania Records

WPGS members can access an index of FFWP Ancestors through the Members-only area of this website. Once you locate an ancestor of interest (the person who moved to Western Pennsylvania before 31 Dec 1810) you can request the Ancestor File for that person. The file will include documentation that the descendant FFWP Member(s) used to join. To learn more about First Families or for mail-in research requests, follow the directions here. Files may also be viewed in person at the Carnegie Library Pa. Dept. only when a WPGS volunteer is at the help desk.

WPGS Family Surname Files

These file folders are organized by last name with an index card cross-reference. Content comes from donations and letters of inquiry. Information in the files may vary from a one-page letter to a lengthy “family tree” printout to reunion pamphlets and articles. The family files are available whenever a WPGS volunteer is on duty.

WPGS Member Ancestor Charts

Many WPGS members have filled out 4 generation ancestor charts and submitted them for research use. Currently the names (and dates where available) are indexed on 3x5 cards in file boxes on top of microfilm cabinets next to the WPGS alcove. First find a card with a person of interest and note the number in the upper right corner of a card. This is the number of the ancestor chart you want to find. Now go to the low bookshelves next to the WPGS help desk and locate your chart of interest in numerical order in the large pin-type binders. Note that there are two sizes of charts. If you can't find a particular chart in the large binder, then check the smaller binders. Information is undocumented but submitter contact information is provided. Watch for this information to be coming online in the future!

Public Surname Book

This was a way to connect fellow researchers before the time of email lists, message boards and blogs. Throughout the years researchers have entered surnames (and given names) for the persons they are researching into this notebook, along with a submitter number. At the front of the binder is a list of submitter numbers and his or her contact information.

Church Information

The bookcase next to the WPGS Help Desk holds several large white binders with miscellaneous church information. These are not actual church records but may be helpful in locating churches where your ancestors worshiped. Items may include brief histories written by the church, anniversary celebration brochures or newspaper articles. There is a typed table of contents at the front of each binder. Material is organized by geographic area (Pa. or out-of-state) and then by denomination. Additional notes on specific congregations may be available in vertical files in the WPGS office.

Journal and Newsletter Collection

Browsing this collection, consisting mainly of donations with some current subscriptions, will awaken you to the value of connecting with local genealogical and historical societies. Located in several bookcases along the back wall of the WPGS alcove, the journals are stored in labeled magazine boxes. The overall topical arrangement begins on the left with general genealogy, moving to ethnic & religious groups, general American genealogy, non-Pennsylvania states, general Pennsylvania and finally Pennsylvania counties (alphabetical). Watch for further updates detailing the titles and scope of this collection.