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Pauper Records and Genealogy at the Delaware Public Archives
The Delaware Public Archives contains a wealth of resources for genealogists, covering centuries of vital records, wills, deeds, and much more. However, many researchers encounter dead ends, in which a family member seems to drop off the face of the earth. No birth record, no property records, no will or probate. How then do we find these forgotten family members? Pauper records can be indispensable resources for filling these gaps, as they document the Delaware residents that history was most likely to forget: the poor, illegitimate children, unwed mothers, the mentally ill, and others. This presentation will guide you through the evolution of public welfare and poor relief in Delaware, the types of records that are available to genealogists for research, and how to access these records at the Delaware Public Archives.
- Date:
- Friday, December 12, 2025
- Time:
- 2:00pm - 3:00pm Eastern Time
- Location:
- Story Time Room
- Library:
- Georgetown Public Library
- Audience:
- Adults Older Adults
- Categories:
- History and Genealogy