Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Inc.
Washtenaw County Research
Records | Research Assistance | Townships | Veterans | Where to write
A list of books relating to Washtenaw County history and genealogy, giving the name of the libraries and call numbers where they can be found. Includes libraries in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Ypsilanti, as well as Detroit, Lansing, and Toledo.
Publications
Books in print, available from the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County
Books In Print: Private & Commercial
Books in print, available from the author or online bookstore
The Ypsilanti Historical Museum and Archives also sells books related to Washtenaw County, including reprints of the Heritage Collection Illustrated Atlas of Washtenaw County for the Years 1874, 1895, and 1915 and the Story of Ypsilanti, originally published in 1923.
Manchester Calendars: Table of Contents, Name Index, A Historical Timeline
For Manchester calendars published by the Manchester Historical Society from 1984-1998, these pages provide a reverse chronological list of the featured locations, an every name index to people listed, and a timeline of Manchester history based on facts referenced in the calendars.
A list of cemeteries in Washtenaw County by City or Township location, indicating for each one whether it is active, if it has an office which can be contacted (with a link to the address), and whether or not a transcription has been made. Most transcriptions have not been published. All extant transcriptions are available at the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County Library.
Directory of Cemeteries of Washtenaw County, Michigan
Describes the location of all known cemeteries in Washtenaw County with location maps to help you get there, noting if transcriptions exist or not. Publication available from the GSWC:
Cemetery Inscriptions of Saline Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan
Contains inscriptions of four rural cemeteries with a history of each one and detailed plot maps. (Does not include the Oakhill Cemetery, City of Saline.) Publication available from the GSWC:
The location by City/Village and Township of records in the Michigan State Censuses of 1884 and 1894 (Population, Agriculture, Industry, and Social Schedules) giving the page number of the first entry. The census is available at the Bentley Historical Library.
Facts Contained in Population Schedules: Michigan Territorial and State Census
For each year of the Michigan State Census (1827, 1834, 1845, 1884, and 1894), lists the type of information that can be found, such as address, marital status, number of children, etc.
See also Facts in U.S. Census, 1790-1860 and Facts in U.S. Census, 1870-1920.
A long list of Internet links grouped by subject area (records, reference, research, societies, history, locality, general), then by specific topic.
Michigan Internet Links
A longer list of Internet links grouped by the same subject areas and by topic which apply to the state as a whole and may also apply to Washtenaw County.
The GSWC/LDS library holds over 2,000 microfiche and microfilm rolls on indefinite loan including over 50 for Washtenaw County. Even if you don't live nearby, you may find the list of film numbers useful since these can be ordered from any LDS Family History Center.
News items of note from past issues of the GSWC Newsetter, including book releases, library acquisitions, location of records, etc.
A reference list of obituaries, deaths, marriages, birthdays, and notices published in various Washtenaw County newspapers, collected by GSWC member Bobbie Snow as part of her volunteer efforts for Genealogy Helplist Michigan or contributed by website visitors. This is an incomplete list which is periodically updated.
This page provides information on how to publish your free query in the Family History Capers, how to post your free query on the GSWC online query page, and where to post or find queries on other genealogical websites. It also includes instuctions for how to subscribe to the Washtenaw County Mailing List.
Queries Posted Online
Queries with a reference to Washtenaw County are posted online. Use the Edit > Find In Page function of your browser to search for a particular surname. These queries will be indexed when they are archived.
Queries from Family History Capers
Indexed queries from selected back issues of the GSWC journal, Family History Capers, can be accessed here.
A collection of information to assist you in finding county records. Includes key dates and facts in county formation, county/state population figures for 1810-1990, location and availability of records (vital, land, court, probate, census, and voting), naturalizations, county supervisor's proceedings, and military discharges, with a link to the address and phone of the appropriate office to contact for each one.
Requesting Vital Records from the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register
Here are the details for obtaining birth, marriage, and death records from the county clerk.
Michigan Archival Circulars
The State Archives of Michigan (colocated with the Library of Michigan) has issued a number of archival circulars describing their holdings by subject. Those circulars which specifically mention Washtenaw County are listed under Washtenaw County Internet Links.
Michigan Death Records from the 1800s (GENDIS) from Michigan Department of Community Health
(See also Research Addresses)
Assistance
A list of volunteers who may be able to assist other researchers by looking up some specific kind of information.
Imitating the map layout of townships in Washtenaw County, this page shows where each township lies in relation to its neighbors using a photograph of the township hall with links to the current address and phone number.
This is the beginning of a collection of photographs of war memorials throughout the county giving the name of the cemetery or location and which war veterans they honor. Each memorial has been transcribed; this page links to the transcriptions and to an index of all veterans named on these memorials.
Washtenaw County War Memorials: Name Index
An index of veterans and others mentioned on Washtenaw County war memorials. The full text of the inscription is included even if the memorial bore no names. Inscriptions included to date are:
- Ann Arbor War Memorials, Forest Hills Cemetery, Ann Arbor (no names)
- Dexter War Memorials, Town Square, Dexter (no names)
- Milan War Memorial, Wilson Park, Milan
- Manchester War Memorial, Wurster Park, Manchester
- Saline War Memorials, Oakwood Cemetery, Saline (no names)
- Sharon Township Civil War Memorial, Sharon Town Hall Cemetery
- Washtenaw County Courthouse Memorial, Washtenaw County Courthouse, Ann Arbor
- Washtenaw County Vietnam War Memorial, Ypsilanti Township Hall, Ypsilanti
A list of addresses and phone numbers for resources at the state, county, township, and city/village level of government, for active cemeteries, and for funeral homes in the Washtenaw County area.
Societies & Museums
Basic information about each of the historical and genealogical societies in Washtenaw County, giving address, mailing address, phone, fax, email, home page, meetings or hours, directions, parking, dues or admission, a description of the facility or collection, special projects, and publications.
Copyright © 1998-2007, Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission to print multiple copies for distribution is granted.
http://www.hvcn.org/info/gswc/waresearch.htm
Designed by S. Brevoort. Revised 15 October 2007. Send comments or changes to Sharon at wwwgswc@aol.com.
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