Use of the Collection

The public is invited to use all genealogical materials found in the Special Collections Room, but materials may not be checked out or removed from the room (although the public is welcome to print copies of microfiche materials and photocopy bound materials). Additionally, interlibrary loans are available.

Catalog Access

The Genealogy Collection, including periodicals and microfiche, is cataloged on WYLDCat (Wyoming Libraries Database catalog). A special feature of the collection is the surname index, which is cataloged on WYLDCat. Family History Center microfilms on loan are listed in a notebook. The collection includes:

• 10,000 volumes of books and periodicals in printed form and on microfiche
• Strong representation of states to the east of the Great Plains, particularly Virginia and New England
• State, county and town histories, as well as probate, land, cemetery, church and vital records
• Many federal census indexes and films; those not housed in the Special Collections Room can be rented from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City
• Family histories, military records and publications of American historical societies; including the Massachusetts Vital Records, the Rhode Island Vital Records, the War of the Rebellion series, and the American Genealogical and Biographical Index

Gifts

Gifts of books and periodicals relating to genealogy, Laramie County history or Wyoming history enrich the collections, as do cash donations. Tax-deductible donations may be made directly to the Laramie County Library Foundation, Genealogy Collection. Gifts of time and expertise are also donated by the room's volunteers. Genealogists interested in sharing their expertise are encouraged to volunteer.

For more information about volunteering in Genealogy & Special Collections, please call (307) 773-7232.

Periodicals

Most states are represented in the periodicals collection, which includes:

• Family newsletters
• The New England Historical and Genealogical Register
• The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record
• The Genealogy Periodicals Annual Index which provides access to the periodicals

Microfiche

The microfiche collection consists primarily of University Microfilm's Genealogy and Local History collection.

This resource contains thousands of titles, including family histories, local histories, genealogical periodicals, and vital records from the 13 original colonies. Most Wyoming county libraries have the indexes to the 15 parts of the Genealogy and Local History fiche titles owned by the Laramie County Library System. The library also owns the Boston Transcripts on microfiche, and has a growing number of miscellaneous fiche.