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The Life From The Roots blog topics have changed several times since I began this blog in 2009. I initially wrote only about the family history I had been working on for 20 years. Years later, I was into visiting gardens, historical homes, churches, libraries that had genealogical collections, historical societies, war memorials, and travel/tourism places. I also enjoy posting autographs and photos of famous people I've met or have seen.

Along with my New England roots, other areas include New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Please check out the labels on the right side for topics (please note, they need work). Below the labels and pageviews is a listing of my top nine posts, according to Google. Four of them pertain to Lowell, MA. These posts change often because they are based on what people are reading.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts -- History and Genealogy Room

I was very anxious to get back to this library, the Memorial Hall Library in Andover, since it's been about 15 years, and I was curious about their genealogy collection now. The library has a large addition but managed to keep very little of the original library structure, which I was sad to see.


The main reference desk, with the original clock.
This is the genealogy room for the public. (Above and two photos below.)



I learned that the special collection is now in a closed-off area, but because I was able to explain to the Librarian what I was doing, he was very happy to show me the room and explain what they had.


Jay Leno is from Andover, Massachusetts. If I remember correctly, this is a signed the book.

A little bit of old.
Parking meters are in the rear of the thebuilding, and even with the lot, finding a space could be difficult. The Library is on a main street at a major intersection.

From the Library site is the Abbott Genealogies collection.
"Andover genealogist Charlotte Helen Abbott wrote these unpublished genealogies. Earlier versions of some genealogies were published in the Andover Townsman, the local newspaper. They generally cover older Andover families through the late 19th century. Miss Abbott's genealogies are subjective and rich with anecdotes, but list few sources. Kay O’Neil, with the cooperation of the Andover Historical Society, worked to digitize the typescript manuscript. Originals are also held at Memorial Hall Library."

UPDATE: 1/24/18  I found a few webpages for this library with plenty of information about Andover. Check them out!  

Historical Newspaper Collection

Digital Collections and Links