GERMAN-MASONTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

LOCAL HISTORY/ GENEALOGY RESOURCES

Our library hosts an impressive local history collection featuring extensive resource materials on Masontown Borough, German Township, and the surrounding area. Many rare and out-of-print materials  housed in the German-Masontown Public Library  will enable the serious researcher to find information  about their family history as well as local events of yesteryear. Because of the unique nature of these resource materials, they MAY NOT BE BORROWED from the library. Local history and genealogical items are not available through ACCESS PA; public libraries usually request that these materials be used in-house only. Patrons are welcome to read and study any local history and genealogical materials  in the library, and  copies can be made by library staff members for a nominal cost. It is suggested that patrons planning to conduct  local history or genealogical research allow ample time during their library visit to inspect all pertinent materials  Please note the library's hours on the FAQs page or call 724.583.7030.

Here are some genealogical  links that may prove helpful : www.rootsweb.com www.ancestry.com www.ellisisland.com www.usgenweb.com www.surnamesearch.com www.searchsystems.net

Numerous web sites such as those listed above are available to help those trying to locate their family ancestry. An exciting new site focusing exclusively on our local area may be reached by visiting the Fayette County Genealogy Project. Frequent updates and Research Resources are provided.

Nearby, the Uniontown Public Library boasts an extensive collection of local history and genealogical materials housed in the Pennsylvania Room. Visit their web site or call 724.437.1165 for more information.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health's web site provides access to birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Information on how to obtain these vital records and to make  genealogy requests may be found here

For for an interesting site with links to free and pay services such as court records, marriage licenses, and property records offered by Fayette County, as well as other PA counties, follow this link.

Photos of A. F. Hill, a noted local Civil War veteran who was born in German Township and was the author of a book  about the White Rocks murder, are now available. Check this site for other Fayette County people and places, including several from the German-Masontown area

For a glimpse into daily life in the bituminous coal mining towns of our area, visit Applachian Coalfields to view many current and  rare pictures of western Pennsylvania towns. Check out the KLONDIKE FIELD for  information on coal mining communities or "patches" in our area. Visit the Virtual Muesum of Coal Mining for vast resources on the places and people of the coal region. Both  sites provide helpful links for further research.

West Penn Railways operated an extensive trolley network that served the many small communities in Fayette County and surrounding areas. The streetcars provided safe, reliable, and  frequent service to local residents. The routes operating between Uniontown and  the Masontown and German Township areas were discontinued in 1950 due to increased auto ownership and improved roads.

PLANNING A VISIT TO THE AREA? Discover the history, enjoy tourist attractions, and find places to go in Fayette County by clicking here.

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