Surname Index
The Surname Index includes the family history and pedigree charts for PCGS Surname Files. The index also includes the names of the Family Collections below.
Access
The Surname files are stored in file cabinets within the Genealogy Department (lower level) at the Peoria Public Main Library. The Surname Index can be found in a binder on top of the vertical file cabinets, or you can view the digitized version by clicking on Surname Index above. The Genealogy librarian can show you where the Surname file cabinets are located.
Family Collections
Process
Volunteers organize donated family history collections, and use archival procedures to protect these collections. A finding aid (index) is created to help you see what the family collection includes. These collections are stored in the PCGS workroom.
Finding Aid
The finding aid describes how a family collection is organized, and is used for archived collections. It does not include every single name in the collection, but includes the main family names along with the kinds of materials the you will find.
Access
Family Collections
The Family Collections are housed in the PCGS workroom, and will need to be retrieved by the Genealogy librarian. To access family documents in PCGS Family Collections (below), ask the librarian at the Local History / Genealogy Department at the Peoria Public Library Main Branch to retrieve the family collection you wish to see. Refer them to the PCGS Finding Aid. You will be able to see one binder at a time (onsite viewing only).
Oversize Items
Sometimes PCGS receives a donation of a family record that is too large to include in the Surname Vertical File. Examples include wall size family group sheets.
Contact
You may also be able to prearrange a visit with a PCGS volunteer at the library by clicking this link to Contact Us.