You think Aunt Martha may have lived in Vineland in the late 1800s but you’re not sure where? Or, your great-grandparents had a farm in Landis Township and you’d really like to know what other family members may have been there as well?

The Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society just might be able to help.

“I’m pleased to announce that the Society will begin offering genealogical assistance to researchers as of August 1,” said Patricia A. Martinelli, Society curator. “While our primary focus will be on the museum archives, our volunteers are experienced genealogists who have a variety of resources available to them.”

The process is simple: After August 1, anyone seeking assistance can download a research request form from the Society’s website, which is located at discovervinelandhistory.org. Once completed, that form can be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to VHAS, PO Box 35, Vineland, NJ 08362.
After the request is received, the volunteers will perform an initial search to determine if the Society has further information in its archives. Whether or not further research is performed will be determined by the person who submitted the request.

“We will be charging $10 an hour for this service,” Martinelli said. “Researchers can submit a check, or make a payment through Paypal or online at our web site.”

Researchers will be welcome to come in and work with the Society’s volunteers but because of limited space, appointments must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance by e-mail at [email protected]. This will allow the volunteers sufficient time to pull information to allow easier access.

The Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society archives include thousands of records and photographs related to individuals, businesses and events dating to the 18th century. Although Vineland was not founded until 1861, many of the early families who moved here brought family correspondence and other information dating from an earlier era.