Resource of the Month
December 2006


 Each month WSU Libraries' Department of Collection Development features a "Resource of the Month" designed to highlight some of the library's new, interesting, under-used, large, unique, or otherwise noteworthy collections and resources.  You can learn more about the "Resource of the Month" on this website, from the display in the reference area, by attending a workshop (if available), or by contacting the Reference Desk at 978-3584.

If you are interested in learning more about a previous "Resource of the Month," check the archive.

Trace your family tree and complete a local history project.  HeritageQuest Online™ is a web-based reference tool that will allow you to start exploring your roots by searching the database's millions of records for clues to your past - as far back as the 1700s.  Several sources are available: the U.S. Federal Census collection, over 20,000 family and local history books, an index to nearly 2 million magazine articles with genealogical information, and a vast database of Revolutionary War era records. 

Upcoming Workshops

No workshops are scheduled at this time.

How Do I Access HeritageQuest?

There is a link on the WSU Libraries' website under Electronic Resources / Electronic Databases.  You have the option of looking for it under the subject links or the alphabetic links (http://library.wichita.edu/colldev/electrondatabase.htm).  If you are accessing HeritageQuest from off-campus you will be prompted to enter your myWSU ID number and password for authentication purposes.

Why Should I Use HeritageQuest?

HeritageQuest Online™ presents a varied and in-depth set of data for amateur and professional genealogists and historians.  This database includes genealogy and local history collections, 1790-1930 U.S. Federal Census information, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), and Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application files.

In addition to the various collections available in HeritageQuest there is a Results List which provides a list of materials that meet the users search criteria, ranked by relevance.  The user can customize the results, set the number of citations per page, sort by element of choice, modify the search, or move from the citation of choice to full page image with one keystroke. 

The Notebook feature allows the user to take notes on census records, books, or citations then print, email or download them during the current session.  Finally, the Search History feature saves every search used during a session.  Users can retrieve their previous search strategies for reuse or modifications.

Features of HeritageQuest

  • Results List, Notebook, and Search History
  • Full text of over 20,000 family and local histories
  • More than 250 primary source documents
  • More than 6,300 genealogy and local history periodicals
  • Files that identify over 80,000 Americans who served in the Revolutionary War

Related Websites

For assistance with HeritageQuest™, contact Wichita State University Libraries' Research Services Desk at 978-3584.


Updated: November 30, 2007     Contact Dept of  Collection Development    Collection Development Home Page