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When you research your family genealogy, you want to have access to a wide variety of sources and tools so that you can find the historical documents you need. Your Library has you covered with a world of useful resources housed in our Regional History & Genealogy department to help you delve into your family’s story. From databases like Heritage Quest to classes and historic newspapers, we have many resource to support your work.
Classes
No matter where you are in your research process, don’t miss our regularly occurring virtual genealogy classes where you can learn essential research techniques and tools to support your work. You can also find helpful handouts from these classes to get you started before the next class.
Databases
Your library card gets you access to a variety of genealogy databases where you can research your family history. You will need an El Paso County resident card (which starts with a 4) to access these databases remotely, or you can access them at any Library location.
One handy database to explore is HeritageQuest, where you will find a comprehensive treasury of American and international genealogical records rich in primary sources, local and family histories, military records, census maps, and more. In this database, search for your ancestors using US Census records and US Indian Census Rolls, Canada Census records, and other sources.
Other databases include MyHeritage, Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, American Ancestors, and FamilySearch.
Newspapers
Genealogy databases are not the only place you can look for your family history. Newspaper databases can also provide useful information for your project, especially if your family is local to Colorado. Both PPLD’s microfilm collection and the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection database contain historic newspapers from Colorado and the Pikes Peak region. For a wider selection of news from across the U.S., look in the 19th Century U.S. Newspapers database and the Newspaper Archive database.
Regional History & Genealogy
For more information about how else our Regional History & Genealogy department can support your genealogy needs, visit our Genealogy page!
The United States declared independence from England and its monarch on July 4, 1776. We commemorate this occasion with annual fireworks displays and other festivities. The Library is closed in recognition of this federal holiday, but we offer several ways to help you celebrate our nation’s Independence. On this page, explore information and fun resources, including music playlists, booklists, and web resources.
Booklists
Resources
- Freegal Playlists
Use your library card to access 24/7 music to add pizzaz to your 4th of July celebrations. - Kanopy
Use your library card on Kanopy to access documentaries and historic dramatizations that delve into the founding of our nation, the Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, and other key moments in U.S. history- American Military History
- American Revolution: The Impossible War
- America’s Musical Heritage: Episode 2, “American Revolutionary and Wartime Music”
- Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
- The History of the United States: Episode 14, “Creating the Constitution”
- Liberty in the Air
- The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen
- Gale eBooks: American Revolution Reference Library
In this eBook you will find a timeline of events during the American Revolution, as well as information about historic figures and the roles they played in key revolutionary events. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location)
- Gale in Context: U.S. History
Read about the 4th of July, from historic battles and the signing of the Declaration of Independence to celebrations commemorating Independence Day. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location)
Websites
Explore July 4 fireworks, festivities, and other events happening in the Pikes Peak region on the Visit Colorado Springs website.
- Library of Congress: Today in History – July 4th
Explore Independence Day history and enjoy historic photos and documents in this article from the Library of Congress. - Smithsonian Institute: Independence Day
Take an in-depth look at artifacts from the past as you celebrate the birthday of the United States with this historic gallery from the Smithsonian Institute. - History Channel: Fourth of July
Watch Videos from the History Channel packed full of 4th of July facts you might not have known, including the first use of fireworks in 4th of July celebrations. - PBS: A Capitol Fourth
From bonfires and illuminations to picnics and public readings of the Declaration of Independence, learn about historic 4th of July celebrations in this PBS article. - Old Farmer's Almanac: Fourth of July 2024
Celebrate the 4th of July with history, traditions, and recipes in the Old Farmer’s Almanac. You can also look ahead to see what day of the week our next 4th of July falls on.
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is excited to bring you Virtual Author Visits in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Join us and hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders on a range of topics, from puzzling science to epic fantasy to decluttering your home. Whether you are an avid or occasional reader, there is nothing quite like listening to insightful talks by authors you have read or new ones you are just discovering. You never know what will catch your interest. Attend these events at no cost from the comfort of home.
In July, join us for a visit to Deckawoo Drive with Mercy Watson and Kate DiCamillo on Tue., July 9 at noon. DiCamillo will be sharing the stories behind the creation of her early chapter book series (grades Pre K – 2), the original Mercy Watson, and the follow up series, Tales from Deckawoo Drive. We will also be celebrating the publication of the final book in the Mercy Watson series! Register for the access link.
Next, get ready to survive the summer with Max Brallier, author of The Last Kids on Earth, on Tue., July 16 at noon. In this virtual event, Max will share how he came up with the different monsters and villains as well as the unique ways that Jack and his friends figure out how to defeat them. The Last Kids on Earth series is perfect for grades 3 – 6. Register for the access link.
After that, you’re invited to learn the power of poetry with Elizabeth Acevedo on Tue., July 23 at noon! In this exciting visit, Acevedo will discuss her work and provide a short reading from her National Book Award winning and New York Times bestselling young adult novel-in-verse, The Poet X. Register for the access link.
For the last Virtual Author Visit in July, join this year’s winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Dan Santat, as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. His winning book, A First Time for Everything, is a graphic memoir based on his own awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life. Santat’s book is a good fit for grades 5 – 8. This Virtual Author Visit will be on Tue., July 30 at noon. Register for the access link.
Learn more and see upcoming authors on our Virtual Author Visits page or check out past Virtual Author Visits here!
More Upcoming Virtual Author Visits
- Wed., Aug. 7 at noon: Your All Access Pass Behind the Scenes at the Space Station with Smithsonian Curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur
- Thu., Aug. 15 at noon: The Golden Ticket to College Admissions Is Not What You Think: Redefining Success for Parents of Teens with Irena Smith, PhD
- Wed., Aug. 21 at 5 p.m.: An Exploration of Friendship, Reckoning, and Hope with novelist Shelby Van Pelt