Forgotten Family: Pauper Records and Genealogy at the Delaware Public Archives

The Delaware Public Archives offers a treasure trove of genealogical resources, including centuries of vital records, wills, deeds, and more. Yet, many researchers inevitably face frustrating dead ends, where a family member seems to vanish without a trace—no birth record, no property records, no will or probate. How can we uncover the stories of these seemingly forgotten individuals?

Pauper records provide invaluable insights for filling these gaps, documenting the lives of those most often overlooked by history: the poor, illegitimate children, unwed mothers, and others marginalized by society. This presentation will explore the evolution of public welfare and poor relief in Delaware, the types of pauper records available to genealogists, and how to access these important resources through the Delaware Public Archives.