Research

You’re serious about your research, and we’re ready to help! With thousands of unique virtual resources, and a stand-out team ready to help you in our archives & library, our reputation precedes us.

Quick Research Access: Library Catalog Collections Catalog

Research Online

This is your portal to the tens of thousands of documents and images available to you electronically. Members have full access to all databases, document libraries, and images. Non-members benefit from the many items available to the general public.

Visit Our Archives & Library

The Collections Building hosts our physical archives and library…

Use our archives and library to learn about Mennonites and interrelated communities. Our reference desk staff is ready to assist you.

Visit Us On Campus

You can also visit our campus for additional research opportunities.

Ancestry.com Available Here!

Ancestry.com is the world’s largest collection of online family history records, and it’s available for you to use complimentary in our library. Our reference staff can help you with your research and with making sense of what you find!

Hire Research Assistance

Sometimes you’ve reached the end of your available time or expertise, and hiring a researcher can help you expand what you know about your family tree or a topic of interest. We can point you in the direction of a researcher to meet your needs.

Ancestry Fan Chart

An ancestry fan chart provides insight into the unique origin story that each of us carries. Mennonite Life is pleased to offer a completed fan chart for purchase, particularly for those with Swiss Anabaptist ancestry. 

For more information, see the Inquiry Form linked below.

Lancaster Mennonite History

Today, Anabaptist describes a family of faith that includes Amish, Brethren in Christ, Church of the Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites. Aspects of Anabaptist thinking and practice now appear in many Christian traditions, with some Anabaptist-interested folks calling themselves “Anabaptish.”

Become A Member

Becoming a member opens additional research doors for you and helps us care for the collections.

You will also receive members-only pricing for museum admission, events, classes, museum stores, and more!

Explore Our Online Museum Store

Featured Stories

Introducing Mennonite Life

It’s an exciting time to be a Mennonite history…

Learn More

Welcome, Refugees

For Mennonites in Lancaster, loving your neighbor means welcoming…

Learn More

Mennonite Artists

Beyond folk arts, Mennonites contribute significantly to visual, language,…

Learn More

A Caring Revolution

Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers lived in camp settings…

Learn More

Discover Something New

Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month Longhouse Tours

Learn about the first inhabitants of present-day Lancaster County!…

Learn More

Collections Feature & Reception: Pincushions

Join us for a reception followed by a captivating…

Learn More

Pincushions Pop-Up Exhibit

Swing by to see our exclusive one-day pincushion pop-up…

Learn More