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
October 27, 2021
Introducing Mennonite Life
It’s an exciting time to be a Mennonite history…
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Welcome, Refugees
For Mennonites in Lancaster, loving your neighbor means welcoming…
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Mennonite Artists
Beyond folk arts, Mennonites contribute significantly to visual, language,…
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A Caring Revolution
Civilian Public Service (CPS) workers lived in camp settings…
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November 15
Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month Longhouse Tours
Learn about the first inhabitants of present-day Lancaster County!…
Learn MoreDecember 5 @ 6:30 pm
Collections Feature & Reception: Pincushions
Join us for a reception followed by a captivating…
Learn MoreDecember 6 @ 9:30 am
Pincushions Pop-Up Exhibit
Swing by to see our exclusive one-day pincushion pop-up…
Learn More