Genealogy Research Library |
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The Genealogical and Historical Research Library at the House of Yoder offers access to a collection of books, and materials such as photographs, letters, genealogical charts and other original materials that may be of special interest to Yoders and others interested in understanding more about the Amish and Mennonites who migrated through or settled in Western Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The library is in a dedicated, private space that is suitable for research and reading of library materials. Library materials do not circulate but can be studied in the reading room as may be desired. Access to the library and reading room can be obtained by contacting Jim Yoder at 240-727-1073 (jameslyoder@aol.com). Advance reservations are recommended.
Library Purpose:
The Research and Reading Library at the House of Yoder (a.k.a. Yoder House Library) exists for the purpose of collecting, preserving and maintaining items related to history and genealogy of individuals, families and settlements of Western Maryland and Pennsylvania, especially those with roots in, or connections to, the Amish and Mennonite communities of the region. The collection includes published materials as well as unpublished materials such as letters, photographs, diaries, sound recordings and genealogical charts.
Index to Holdings Genealogical and Historical Research Library
The files below are an index to the library's holdings. They are in PDF format and are readable from most computer operating systems. After the files have been opened on your computer, they can be searched for specific words such as names or places by using the <find> command.
Periodicals
Books and Vertical Files
Invitation To Donate Materials
The Research and Reading Library at the House of Yoder invites donations of published and unpublished materials with historical or genealogical connections to Western Maryland and Pennsylvania for inclusion in the library collection, especially those with ties to the Amish and Mennonite communities of the area.
Materials of interest to the Library include (but are not necessarily limited to):
• Books (especially those with limited circulation or that may be out of print)
• Family newsletters
• Letters
• Diaries
• Photographs
• Sound recordings
• Genealogical charts
• Legal records (such as deeds and marriage and birth certificates)
Please contact Jim Yoder at 240-727-1073 (jameslyoder@aol.com) or John Yoder at 316-640-6903 (jhyoder@sbcglobal.net) or speak to the host on duty at the house with questions or proposals for donations. Acceptance of any and all materials for the library is subject to review and a decision by the Library Committee of the House of Yoder. Unless specifically agreed in writing in advance, all materials accepted by the Library become property of the House of Yoder and for maintenance and/or disposition at their discretion.
Links to Additional Resources:
The Yoder House Library coordinates their collection with the website and archives of the Casselman Valley Historians. Some of the materials, especially published materials, may be found in both locations, however each maintains its own list of materials, many of which are unique to that location. The Historians’ archives and, especially their web site, offer excellent source materials for those wanting to extend their explorations further. A link to the Casselman Valley Historians site is below along with several other sites that offer access to a broad array of similar resources that may be of interest to readers and researchers.
Casselman Vally Historians
Yoder News Letter
Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society
Swiss Anabaptist Genealogical Association
Ohio Amish Library
Historical Photo Albums of Alvin H. Yoder - Posted by Jim Yoder
Almost two decades ago, in 1992, Kenneth Yoder, one of the founding members of the House of Yoder, wrote three articles that were published consecutively in the Casselman Vallley "Historian" in which he explored early roots of the Yoder (Joder) name and history in Switzerland. Additional insights into Joder/Yoder history have, as would be expected, emerged since then but the articles remain correct in their essential facts. The articles can be found here, here and here.
(Check back for additional links as they are added)