> Linda's request . . . I'm going to making a trip to Columbia county in the very near future to do some genealogical research. <Snip> I'm looking for any guidance about <Snip> the different repositories I'll be visiting. My time will be somewhat limited <Snip> . . . < Linda . . . A couple of comments from one who's researched that area for 25 years. The state library? I'm assuming you mean the library/archives at Bloomsburg State College. Excellent source but don't pass up the Bloomsburg Public Library either. They have cemetery records, etc. Maybe sks who lives there can give you the hours to these places; very important when trying to stretch time. I remember hitting the libraries in the evenings. Also, since I don't know what area history you know, keep in mind county changes. My family spanned three. They settled on Montours Ridge near Danville in Northumberland County in the early 1770's. The area around Danville & Bloomsburg changed several times. Until 1815 -- Bloomsburg, Danville, etc and what is now Columbia & Montour Counties were in Northumberland. County seat is Sunbury, just across the Susquehanna. Their library and courthouse are excellent, expecially if you can get into the basement vaults of Deeds, Wills and the County Commissioners. The last especially, has all the old assesment books for land and occupation plus the books on Unseated Lands (aka: proprietary land warrants) for the area. Many of their old records, however, were never filed and remain mixed in boxes on the vault shelves. If you don't find an estate file, that's probably where you need to dig. And I mean dig; dress for dirt and take something to clean your hands. The NU County Historical Society is another good place in Sunbury and worth a stop. After 1815 -- Columbia was formed from Northumberland with Danville as the first County seat which later moved to Bloomsburg. Their courthouse and records are impressive; very well organized. I only had time for Deeds since I found such a goldmine in Northumberland. In 1850 -- Montour split off and re-established a County seat in Danville. Several border townships had pieces that went back and forth. The Thomas Beaver Library has microfilm of old local newspapers. At the courthouse, the Prothonatary's office has Delayed Birth Certificates; very useful. Their historical society is in Genl Wm Montgomery's home at the head of Mill Street. Hope this helps a little. If you have specific questions, I'll try to answer. Kathleen W-F mailto:woodside1728@uswest.net