American Ancestors offers access to databases, helpful tools for organizing genealogical research, and webinars on an array of topics related to family history. Call the library or visit in person to get our login credentials.
ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION
Ancestry Library Edition offers access to a vast database of vital records, including census data and birth and death records. Ancestry is available on public computers within the library. It is not available for remote access.
Digital Commonwealth offers a variety of historical images of Palmer, as well as other Massachusetts cities and towns.
DIGITAL LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY COLLECTION
This collection contains digital copies of a variety of books, newspapers, and pamphlets pertaining to history and genealogy for the town of Palmer, Massachusetts.
Fold3 provides convenient access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of men and women who served. You will need your Palmer Public Library card number to access this resource.
HeritageQuest Online provides convenient access to US and Canadian census records and other resources to help you discover your family history. You will need your Palmer Public Library card number to access this resource.
Multiple layers allow you to see an area change through time, and their Geocode feature allows you to compare historical and modern maps. Drawing on the largest physical collection of historical North American property atlases, this is a great destination for map enthusiasts and researchers alike. Track your ancestors to their homes; see the roads they traveled on, and the names of the neighbors they talked with.
REPUBLICAN & UNION NEWS
FULL TEXT 1988-current
Access to issues from 1988-current via Newsbank is available for all Western MA library patrons through your home library. You will need your library card number to access this resource.
FULL IMAGE 2018-current
Issues from 2018-present are available to Palmer Public Library patrons with images. You will need your Palmer Public Library card number to access this resource.
INDEX ONLY 1877-1987 (incomplete)
Neither the Palmer Public Library nor the Springfield City Library have access to full text articles online prior to 1988. Individuals can create an account and purchase access to articles or visit the repository for microfilm.
Digital Sanborn® Maps (1867-1970) of Massachusetts delivers detailed property and land-use records that depict the grid of everyday life in more than 232 Massachusetts towns and cities across a century of change. The Sanborn Map Company was the primary American publisher of fire insurance maps for nearly 100 years. The maps provide a wealth of information, such as building outline, size and shape.