The genealogist trying to locate families, the surveyor or attorney researching old deeds, or the historian seeking data on land settlement will find Pennsylvania Land Records an indispensable aid. The land records of Pennsylvania are among the most complete in the nation, beginning in the 1680s. Pennsylvania Land Records not only catalogs, cross-references, and tells how to use the countless documents in the archive, but also takes readers through a concise history of settlement in the state. The guide explains how to use the many types of records, such as rent-rolls, ledgers of the receiver general's office, mortgage certificates, proof of settlement statements, and reports of the sale of town lots. In addition, the volume includes: cross-references to microfilm copies; maps of settlement; illustrations of typical documents; a glossary of technical terms; and numerous bibliographies on related topics.

"Some of the topics described in this guide are : abolition and abolitionists, affirmative action, African American colleges and universities ..., almshouses, business, census, certification and licensing ..., charitable and beneficial organization, civil rights, churches, corporations, county records, court records, education, governors' papers, governmental records, Habeas Corpus papers, historical events, historical markers, homes and hospitals, industries ..., legislators, marriages, migrant labor, military, music, prisons, slavery and slaves, sports, underground railroad, veterans' schools ..., women's activities and organizations, and the Work Projects Administration programs"--Introduction.

The State Archives in 1967 became the Division of Archives and Manuscripts in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

This source is a compilation of finding aids that describe records dealing with narrower subjects for record groups and manuscript groups found in the PA State Archives.

No scholarly reference library is complete without a copy of Ancestry's Red Book. In it, you will find both general and specific information essential to researchers of American records. This revised 3rd edition provides updated county and town listings within the same overall state-by-state organization. Whether you are looking for your ancestors in the northeastern states, the South, the West, or somewhere in the middle, ""Ancestry's Red Book has information on records and holdings for every county in the United States, as well as excellent maps from renowned mapmaker William Dollarhide. In short, the ""Red Book is simply the book that no genealogist can afford not to have. The availability of census records such as federal, state, and territorial census reports is covered in detail. Unlike the federal census, state and territorial census were taken at different times and different questions were asked. Vital records are also discussed, including when and where they were kept and how""