A genealogy day in Morgantown

Inside the Garlow House

The exterior of the Garlow House

Last Saturday was a great day. My friend Valerie invited me for a trip to Morgantown to introduce me to two great places to do genealogy research—the Aull Center and West Virginia University’s West Virginia and Regional History Collection.

I was very excited to visit the Aull Center because it is housed in the historic Garlow House, built in 1907. Never have I worked in such a beautiful library. The librarian on duty was extremely friendly and helpful and gave us a tour of the entire house, which I really enjoyed. I could have spent all day there. They really have an extensive selection of local histories. Their brochure lists the following items that they house: Morgantown city directories, maps, high school yearbooks, cemetery readings, early deed book and court records, family histories and W.Va. county histories.

We moved on to the WVU collection, where I was amazed to see resources that top what the State Archive offers. I could spend a couple days there. Here’s a link to the collection online: http://www.libraries.wvu.edu/wvcollection/

What did I find? I found information, but no great leads. I was working on the big family mystery on Mom’s side, which is finding the parents of my great-, great-grandfather Homer Freeman, who was an orphan. He fought in the Civil War and was a teacher for more than 30 years in Upshur County.

I really enjoy learning about family history and am glad to find two more great places for research. Thanks for a great day, Valerie!