Genealogy and Family Histories

The Special Collections, Genealogy and Maps Centre contains published family histories for Canadians, and families with Canadian connections. Histories of famous families, like the Kennedys, are here as well. Donations of family histories that fall within our scope are always welcome.

Heraldry

Heraldry is the study and recording of the coats of arms borne by the ancestors of today's nobility. Although few families have a coat of arms, heraldry is a valuable source of genealogical information.

You'll find dictionaries of heraldic terms, and works about mottoes and crests. The Special Collections Centre also has works on Canadian, American, continental European, British and Irish heraldry. The collection includes:

• Armorials (books of lists of coats of arms)
• Ordinaries of arms (listings by type of design rather than name)
• Visitations (made in 16th century Britain to ensure that only those entitled to arms displayed them)
• General books on the subject

Virtual Reference Library - Heraldry Research Guides


Names

Books on the origin and meaning of both first and last names are available in the Special Collections Centre. The Oxford Dictionary of Surnames and Russian Surnames are fascinating examples. Books about names in languages other than English are on the fifth floor.

About Genealogy & Local History / Genealogy: Biography / Genealogy: Lists of Persons / Genealogy: Research

Updated on: July 4, 2002