Who were our ancestors, what choices did they make, and how do those choices influence us? The Virginia Beach Public Library can help you find answers to some of your questions. By using HeritageQuest and Ancestry, available at each library building, you can search census, vital and immigration records, and books written on thousands of families.
In-depth assistance is available at the Central Library in a class format. The first session is a detailed study of the United States census. Thousands of other datasets are covered in the second session. In addition, you can also enroll in a one-hour orientation tour of the Central Library Local History and Genealogy area. These tours are offered regularly by the Virginia Beach's Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library staff. Call the Library at (757) 385-0150 or search the online calendar for class and tour schedules.
If you are interested in Princess Anne history, the Pungo-Blackwater Library partners with the Senior Center on a Princess Anne oral history project. The participants share wonderful stories and go on great field trips.
Another source of information is the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society. They hold classes, meetings and conferences at the Central Library. Find out more about this group at their website:
www.rootsweb.com/~vavbgs/
Twice a year the Library system sponsors Midnight Madness. During this event, the library is open to researchers from 7 p.m. to midnight. You must pre-register for this program which includes teaching sessions, independent research and assistance from the D.A.R., the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society and library staff.
Looking for answers? We can help you find them!