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 Archival 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.

Research Online

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.

Search Library Catalog

Search Archival Catalog

Visit Us On Campus

You can also visit our campus for additional research opportunities.

Visit Our Campus

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.

Learn More

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.

Fan Chart Inquiry

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.”

Explore History