Research Assistance

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve hit a research roadblock, the Pastfinders Research Assistance Program is here for you. Assistance is available both online and in person at the Genealogy Room in Cooper Memorial Library.

To request help, email us at [email protected]. Please include your contact details and a brief description of your research challenge.

Common Questions We Hear:

• I want to start a family tree, but where do I begin?

• I have a lot of family history—how do I organize it?

• I’ve built a tree—what’s the best way to share it with my family?

You have questions—Pastfinders has answers!

Our Genealogy Room is staffed by knowledgeable Pastfinders volunteers who offer personalized support for both beginners and seasoned researchers.

We host open help sessions—no appointment needed! Just bring your notes, documents, or digital files, and we’ll help you make sense of it all.

We also offer introductory classes on the basic forms and methods used to document family history. Getting started is easier than you think—you just need what you already know: names, birthdates, and birthplaces of your parents and grandparents. Keep an eye on our events page for the next scheduled session.

From there, discovery begins!