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Getting Started
A close up of a vintage map of Mishawaka.

MPHPL’s Local & Family History Collection

  • Found in the lower level of the Mishawaka Library, our collection offers a wide variety of print, digital and archival reference materials to aid patrons in their historical and genealogical research.
  • Our collection focuses on the history and culture of Mishawaka, including Penn and Harris Townships and St. Joseph County, Indiana.
  • Additional resources are available on the surrounding Michiana counties (Berrien, Cass, Elkhart, LaPorte, Marshall and Starke) and the state of Indiana.

Collection Availability

  • Access to physical historical resources are available at the Mishawaka Library during all open hours.
  • Our microfilm reader is available to use and printing services are available.
  • View our digitized materials anytime on our digital archive, Mishawaka Memories.

Gather Information

  • When starting a local or family history research project, record everything you know (or at least you think you know) about your topic or family. This includes:
    • Birth dates
    • Death dates
    • Marriages
    • Important events or locations
    • Places of work / occupations
    • Land ownership
    • Military service
  • For genealogy, start with yourself and work backward in time.
  • After you’ve written down as much of this information as you already know, if possible, you may want to talk to relatives and close family friends, or those familiar with your topic to gather more details.

Popular Research Topics

  • Sometimes you may not know what you are specifically looking for. Popular research topics include:
    • Cultural History
    • Genealogy & Family History
    • Local Industry or Business Research
    • County History
    • State History

Need Help?

Once you have chosen a topic and determine what you still need to learn, MPHPL’s Reference staff are happy to help you utilize our collection and research tools.

If you would like more information on what resources we may have related to your research, please contact us using our Local & Family History Request Form.

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