Nineteenth century Newfoundland saw thousands of immigrant families starting new
lives in a new world. For many, Newfoundland’s historical and genial records
are a key chapter of their family history, and a link to their ancestry before
life in confederated Canada.
According to the book Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, (McGill-Queen's
University Press, 2003) the most notable cultural sources of Newfoundland
surnames are English, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, French, Syrian, Lebanese, and Micmac.
Originally published in 1977 and most recently revised in 2003, the book
provides an in-depth study into nearly 3,000 names from the island of
Newfoundland.
If you are visiting Newfoundland to research your family history, you will not
find a location better than ours to begin your search! Here’s why:
Archives
We’re a five minute walk to the best resource in the province - The Rooms –
a unification of the Provincial Museum, the Provincial Art Gallery and the
Provincial Archives. “A place for people, The Rooms is a portal to the many
stories our province has to tell. Located in the heart of St. John’s it’s easily
accessible and provides an extensive history into Newfoundland’s genealogical
records.”
Churches
We are even closer to the St. John’s Basilica and the Archives of the Roman
Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's, which may also prove an excellent resource
for your research. The historical Anglican Church is also a short walk away, as
well as the United Church and Presbyterian Church.
Family History Centre
Family History Centers within Newfoundland and Labrador can also be found at
two locations:
St. John’s
Ferryland Street East
St John's, NF Div No. 1, NL, Canada
Phone: 709-368-2601
Hours: T 6:30pm-9:30pm; Th 10am-1pm; Sat 1pm-4pm
Corner Brook
19 Montgomery Street
Corner Brook, NF Div No. 5, NL, Canada
Phone: 709-634-9700
Hours: Th 6:30pm-9pm; Sat 10am-12pm; other times by appt only
Other resources
Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogy
The Government of Canada’s Canadian Genealogy Centre includes all physical and
online genealogical services of Library and Archives Canada.
There is also the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives, which works
to archive and preserve the province’s rich history. Archives Canada is also an
excellent resource for locating various local archives within the province of
Newfoundland and Labrador.
For a more extensive list of Genealogical resources you may also visit Cyndi’s
List.
Newfoundland library index
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