Dictionaries and encyclopedias can contain the history and meanings of surnames and historical details and statistics for some locations.
In some cases you may even find dictionaries that list biographical sketches of people from a particular location.
- Because these records are so diverse, they are best searched on an individual basis. Use the Card Catalog to determine which collections best search your needs and then search them directly using the search form on that page.
- These records can be searched by name. If you are looking for more generic information on a particular surname, leave the given name field blank.
- Search for place names alone to locate collections that reference the place where your ancestor lived.