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Latest library project
A favorite destination of residents delving into their genealogical roots is the Brownsville Free Public Library. According to librarian Barry Blaine, the library has recently added to its local history resources.
The library has purchased the Pennsylvania Revolutionary Government Records, 1775 – 1790, using funds donated in memory of the late Margaret Johnson of Brownsville, who gave so freely of her time in aiding genealogical researchers at the library. In addition, the records of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania, including the Colonial Records, dating from 1682 – 1776, were purchased using memorial donations.
These documents can be of tremendous value to a genealogical researcher or a local historian. According to Jonathan R. Stayer of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, “It has been said that because Pennsylvania’s colonial governments often became entangled in the personal lives of their citizens, the Colonial Records provide much information about individuals whose names may not appear in other records of the period.”
Also available on microfilm at the library are the Brownsville Telegraph (August 1927 – November 1945), the Brownsville Clipper (June 1889 – December 1912), and the Fayette County, Pennsylvania Census (1790 – 1930, excluding 1890).
In order to help researchers record the information that they find on the microfilm, the library is planning to purchase a microfilm printer/reader. This would permit photocopying of an item from the microfilmed historical records and newspapers. A special fund-raising campaign is under way at the library in hopes of raising $6,000 needed to purchase a microfilm printer/reader.
Donations in honor or memory of a loved one or friend are welcomed. A list of donors will be on permanent display near the microfilm printer/reader. If you would like to help the library achieve this worthwhile goal, you may contact librarian Barry Blaine at 724-785-7272, or you may send your contribution to the Brownsville Free Public Library, 100 Seneca Street, Brownsville, Pa., 15417.
Glenn Tunney may be contacted at 724-785-3201, glenatun@hhs.net or 6068 National Pike East, Grindstone, PA 15442. Comments about these weekly articles may be sent to Mark O’Keefe (Managing Editor – Day), 8 – 18 East Church Street, Uniontown, Pa. or e-mailed to mo’keefe@heraldstandard.com . All past articles are on the Web at http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~glenntunneycolumn/