Hudson Public Library, Hudson, Massachusetts (Resources for Genealogists)

Hudson Public Library

3 Washington Street

Hudson, MA 01749

978-568-9644

I looked forward to visiting this library and city for a long time. A Facebook friend lived in this town over 35 years ago and misses it. We met through our Canadian genealogy research about 22 years ago.

I love anything old and original in a Library, so I was very pleased with this gem. Immediately, I went to the oldest section of the library on the second floor, now used mainly for the reading room.

The three photos below show genealogy books to borrow.

Below the Reference sign are three shelves of wonderful resources for doing Hudson research. Among these books are Persons Listed Hudson, MASS  1914-2017.

The file cabinet has film from 1862 to 1984.

Children's room.

Side view and path behind the library to the parking lot. The weather was beautiful, so I enjoyed walking by the lake.

History of the Library

"The Hudson Public Library has served the residents of Hudson and the surrounding area since 1867. By 1903 the library had outgrown its location in the town hall and needed a larger space. In response to this growing need, Grace Whittemore, the librarian, corresponded with Andrew Carnegie and requested funds for a new building. Mr. Carnegie donated $12,500 to the town to build a new library building. The current building at Wood Square was opened to the public in November 1905." "In 1929 a second floor was added to the building. This space is the current reading room, housing magazines, the Tavares Meeting Room, and the library's tech service office."  A two-story addition was added in 1966.

Online Database for Genealogy (copied below)

Heritage Quest
Ancestry Library Edition ***Available IN LIBRARY only***
New England Ancestors ***Available IN LIBRARY only***

The town also has the Hudson Historical Society founded in 1916 is located in the Hudson Mill Building, 43 Broad Street, 4th floor on certain days. Apparently, they have a large collection of artifacts, print, and digital materials. The nice website is HudsonHistoricalSociety.org.

Below are a few local photos.

Hudson, New Hampshire Public Library (Resources for Genealogists)

George H. and Ella M. Rodgers Memorial Library

194 Derry Rd., Hudson, NH 03051

(603)886-6030

I was quite surprised several years ago to learn that the old stone building called Hills Memorial Library was not a library anymore. In fact, Hudson, NH had a new one, called Rodgers Memorial Library, not too far from the original 1909 building (pictures shown below the new library). Genealogy information is at the end of this post.

A side view of the library, above

The entrance is in back, shown below.

There are plenty of parking spaces in the back. I loved being amongst all the trees.

The Checkout counter is on the right and the Reference Librarian's desk is to the left, not seen here.

A very large meeting room is shown above. Throughout the library, some of the desks and stacks are below.

The three photos below were taken by the Reference Librarian. They are the only reference books on genealogy on the main floor. The shelves were too high for me, so that's why he took them. The current library opened in 2009 and is simply beautiful and large, as you'll see from my pictures. So I don't capture people in my shots, I often take pictures quickly to avoid them. 

The above and below photos are of the genealogy books available to check out.

A short bio of each of the three former Hudson residents above.

Pictures left to right

Hiram March (1800 - 1879)

Col. Joseph Greeley (1756 - 1840)

Olivia Butler Goodspeed March (1810 - 1899)

The four photos below were taken by Mark StaweckiReference Librarian/Library Services Coordinator. They are in the archives located in the basement and closed to visitors. Mark knew I was disappointed that I couldn't see their holdings, so he surprised me with these photos yesterday!

 

The Hills Memorial Library (now closed as a library, but is used by the town for other purposes).

64 E Broadway #2414, Derry, NH 03038

  This was built in 1909. Detailed Wikipedia article about the Hills Memorial Library. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hills_Memorial_Library

Side view. I took the two above pictures in May 2020.

Genealogy

The Rodgers Library Genealogy Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month. As of April 2020, the meeting is virtual and registration is required. To register for upcoming Club meetings, click here.

The library has Hudson's vital statistics, baptismal records from some local churches, and a variety of publications and record books.  Some items are available for check-out while others must be used inside the library. Certain records are available online courtesy of our archives.  We also have access to genealogical databases:

American Ancestors [In Library only] New England Historical Genealogy Society allows you to search for ancestors who lived in the New England Area. Search vital records, two records, tax/census lists, church, court records, and much more.

Ancestry Library [In Library only] Access the full World version of Ancestry.com through Ancestry Library Edition. Thousands of census, probate, and other historical records are available.

GenealogyBank (Heritage Hub) [Outside the library you will be asked to enter your library card number on the NewsBank site. Scroll down and select America's GenealogyBank.] Find old newspaper articles, obituaries, birth and marriage announcements, photographs, and more in 300 years of fully searchable historical newspapers. Included are 11,700 books and other printed items, as well as historical documents.

HeritageQuest Online [Outside the library you will be asked to enter your library card number on the HeritageQuest site] With over 25,000 books, the entire U.S. Federal Census, PERSI, and other expanding collections, HeritageQuest Online provides access to one of the largest collections of genealogy material in the country. This collection of research materials helps in tracing family history and studying American culture.

New to genealogy?  We have beginner packets available at the Reference desk as well as other resources to help the novice. You may also join our genealogy club which meets on a monthly basis.   Email askus@rodgerslibrary.org for more information. NOTE: I was given several years of a listing of monthly topics for this group. In addition, I was shown many of the handouts.

Here are a few links to get started:

Genealogy: the Complete Resource Guide

Getting Started: Tips to Help You on Your Way

Creating a Family Tree