What genealogical sources do you have?

The Mudd Manuscript Library has several genealogical resources available to patrons interested in researching family history or tracking ancestors with a Princeton University connection. Patrons should begin by reviewing available online resources. Several University publications may help in locating information about an ancestor. Patrons should review these resources and contact the Mudd Library for assistance in retrieving information. When possible, individuals are encouraged to visit the Mudd Library to review these and other collections of interest as staff are not able to undertake extensive research for patrons. Photocopies may be ordered.

Databases

Alumni (Undergraduate), 1748-1920 indexes all undergraduate alumni from the Class of 1748 to 1920. In addition, there is some non-graduate information for individuals through the Class of 1947. [Note: For many non-graduates little or no information exists.] This database will provide basic biographical data, including the name, class year, and graduation status of alumni, and note if photos or images of the individual exist. Information in each file varies greatly but can include the names of relatives, achievements, news items, address updates, and obituaries. When requesting materials, patrons should note the box number, the class year, and the name of the individual.

Alumni (Undergraduate), 1921-1979 indexes all undergraduate alumni from the Class of 1921 to 1979. This database will provide basic biographical data, including the name, class year, type of file available, and relevant box number for records found in Mudd Library. Undergraduate records from this time period are kept in two series: the Bureau of Alumni Records Public Information Files and the Dean of the College Undergraduate Academic Files. The former are open for all users and include some honorary class members. The later are restricted according the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which for most purposes means that the records of living alumni are closed. For some deceased alumni, academic records can be found in the public file. When requesting materials, patrons should note which file type they are requesting, the name of the individual, the class year, and the box number.

Alumni (Graduate), 1839-1998 indexes graduate alumni from 1839-1998. This database will provide the name, graduate school class, department, and death date, if any, of alumni, and note if photographs of the individual exist. Files of more recent graduates may not have yet been transferred to the Mudd Library, and therefore, will not be found in this database. Many files are restricted according the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which for most purposes means that the records of living alumni are closed. When requesting materials, patrons should note the class year and the name of the individual and the class year.

Princeton Alumni Weekly Memorial Index, 1894-2004 provides an index to obituaries of alumni. These obituaries appeared in the Princeton Alumni Weekly (PAW) and its predecessor the Alumni Princetonian from April 1894 to July 2004. The index includes some faculty and honorary class members. For alumni who have died since 1989 the PAW maintains their memorials online here.

Princeton University Honorary Degree Index, 1748-2001 lists honorary degree recipients from 1784-2001, the date the degree was awarded, the date of the individual's death (if known), the degree received, and if an informational folder exists in the Honorary Degree Records held at the Mudd Library. The contents of these files vary, but often include an announcement of the award and biographical material.

Faculty and Professional Staff Index, 1764-2001 indexes over 28,000 University faculty, professional research, technical staff, and library personnel. This database contains the name, death date, departure date, and department for Princeton University personnel. Files for some trustees, administrators, and others may also be found in this collection. Material in these files varies, but can contain a variety of personal information such as resumes, publications, wedding announcements, press releases, news articles, and obituaries. Access to personnel files is governed by University policy.

University Publications

In addition to the above online resources, several University publications located at the Mudd Library provide genealogical information.

Early editions of The Nassau Herald (1864-present) contain orations, poems, and addresses. Later volumes include student names and addresses. By 1915 the Herald included student photographs and biographies.

The Bric-A-Brac (1875-present) is a supplement to the Herald and documents student activities. The Bric includes photographs and student lists.

The Freshman Herald (1926-present) is a face book with photographs and brief biographical information on incoming freshman. This is often the only record for a student who did not graduate from Princeton University.

An important resource for tracking alumni is the class reunion book (1835-present). These are compiled by the classes to commemorate important reunion years (5th, 10th, 15th, etc.) and often include biographies of class members.

Last modified: Monday, 05-Nov-2007 16:17:07 EST