Ruth Holley Library will be temporarily closed for approximately one week starting Mon., Dec. 2 to complete roof repairs.Categories
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research your family genealogy, you want to have access to a wide variety of sources and tools so that you can find the historical documents you need.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.
Summertime in Colorado Springs is a great time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of our area. It’s also a great time to explore our region’s history. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can get a taste of the past at no cost by checking out a Pikes Peak Culture Pass and stepping back in time for a day at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
At this living history museum, guests can experience six historic sites interpreting indigenous and settler life in the Pikes Peak region from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with the cultural and agricultural stories of this diverse outdoor museum. Visit a homestead cabin, an 1870s Victorian home, a 1900s Edwardian house, and a working 19th century blacksmith shop. You can also enjoy meeting the horses, chickens, sheep, pigs, and a cow housed in Rock Ledge Ranch’s Victorian farm and garden.
“We are excited to partner with PPLD in serving broader communities who may know their local libraries but may not yet be acquainted with the Ranch,” says Daniel Christie, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site office manager. “We also enjoy engaging our own guests with books and encouraging them towards a love of literature and learning so this makes for a great partnership.”
Take tours with historical interpreters dressed in period-appropriate attire, watch demonstrations, and experience hands-on learning activities. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of the people who lived, worked, hunted, herded, and raised families on this land at Rock Ledge Ranch.
Use your library card to check out no-cost passes to visit the ranch during their regular living history hours. Check out their special events throughout the summer and fall by visiting their website.