About the Midwest Genealogy Center

Awards -- Frequently Asked Questions
Microfilm Sources -- Microfiche Records
Reference Book Collection -- Circulating Collection
Endowment Fund
Genealogy and Family History Resources
Grand Opening -- Abraham Lincoln Exhibit

The Independence Public Library was formed in 1892 by the Independence Library Association. Miss Carrie Wallace, a relative of former First Lady Bess Wallace Truman, was the first librarian, serving until 1947. She was instrumental in laying the ground work for the establishment of a genealogical library in the local public library. Early donations by the Independence Pioneers Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) formed the beginning of the future genealogical collection.

In 1971, the Mid-Continent Public Library (former Independence Library) acquired a collection of Missouri county histories and the "Missouri Room" was opened at the Independence Branch to accommodate patrons pursuing local historical information. In 1972, the North Independence Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library became the home of the genealogy collection. Then in 1996, the collection was moved to the facility that has become the Genealogy and Local History Branch. Since the initial donation of a $14.64 book by the DAR in 1927, the collection has grown to over 10,000 circulating titles, 60,000 reference titles, a vast number of periodicals and newspapers, as well as microforms, maps, and online databases.

The current "Genealogy from the Heartland" circulating collection began in 1984 with a small collection of books donated to the Mid-Continent Public Library by the American Family Records Association [AFRA]. Other collections have been added over the years -- the Missouri State Genealogical Association [MoSGA], the Heart of America Genealogical Society [HAGS], and the Gann Family Association have added their libraries to our circulating collection and continue to add books that are donated to them. Little did the early members of the DAR realize that their small collection of books would be the beginning of a nationally known resource center which today draws researchers from all over the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does your staff provide reference or research services?

Yes. Please review our research policy.

Are there Genealogical Researchers who will do research for me?

Yes. We have prepared a listing of such people.

Do you send Inter-Library Loans?

Yes, there are over 10,000 genealogy and local history books available on inter-library loan to researchers nationwide through local libraries. You may search our online catalog to find items available.

Microfilm Sources

• All available U.S. federal population census schedules 1790 - 1930, including Soundex/Miracode indexes
• U.S. Land Sales in Missouri 1818 - 1903
• Draper Manuscripts
• Kentucky Tax Records
• Missouri State Penitentiary Records, 1836 - 1931
• Papers of the St. Louis Fur Trade
• Indexes to Compiled Service Records of MO Union and Confederate Civil War Soldiers
• Compiled Service Records of MO Union and Confederate Civil War Soldiers
• Selected Passenger Lists, Native American Sources, and State and Local Sources
• Partial state vital records for WA, AL, OR
• Records of Antebellum Southern Plantations
• Independence Examiner
• Kansas City Star and Times

Microfiche Records

• American Biographical Archives
• Black Biographical Dictionaries
• Civil War Unit Histories
• Partial state vital records for AR, CA, GA, IL, IN, KY, OR, TX
• Massachusetts original town records (incomplete - ongoing purchase)
• UMI Genealogy and Local History Series
• United States Serial Set

Reference Book Collection

• 60,000 title collection of family genealogies, local and state histories and compiled county records for Missouri, states east of Missouri and states bordering Missouri
• Genealogy Periodical Collection
• Kansas City Star and Times newspaper obituaries 1979 - present
• Independence Examiner newspaper obituary and marriage index 1919 - 1947
• Census Indexes

Genealogy Circulating Collection

• Guide to Using Genealogy from the Heartland

Genealogy Endowment Fund

Kermit B. Karns, AFRA's founding President, started the Fund in 1998 with a personal donation. The purpose of the Fund is to support the Circulating Collection or to add other materials to the Reference Collection as needed. The fund continues to grow with donations and bequests large and small. Donations are welcome and are tax deductible.