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Rediscover. Reconnect. Reunite. The Elfreth’s Alley Family RegistryWas your family one of the hundreds of families who have called Elfreth’s Alley home over the last 300 years? If so, we invite you to join our Family Registry and become a part of the history of this historic neighborhood. The Family Registry is a list of past residents and descendants who are interested in their family’s history and want to know more about their connection to Elfreth’s Alley. How do I find out if my family lived here?If you think you may be related to a past resident of Elfreth’s Alley, click on our Table of Past Residents to view information about past residents gathered by the Elfreth’s Alley staff. This information is taken from United States Censuses (1790-1930) housed at the National Archives and Records Administration-Mid Atlantic, and City of Philadelphia directories in the collections of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. What information is contained in
this table? The table includes (when available) last name, first name, age, occupation, house number and source of information for residents of Elfreth’s Alley between 1785 and 1935. How do I read this table?Reading from left to right, there are 8 columns of information. The first and second columns are last and first name. The third column is age as recorded in the U.S. Census. The fourth column is occupation as recorded in either the Census or City Directory. Different terms were occasionally used to indicate the same occupation, a common example being a cordwainer and shoemaker. Where there are records from the directories and the Census sources for the same year that have used different terms, we refer to the more common term in the table. The fifth column is the modern house number for each person. House numbering in Philadelphia changed during the 1850’s, moving from a continuous system, to the present system after the consolidation of the City and County 1854. For example, House 123 used to be House 9 prior to 1854. The sixth column records the year of the Census record for the individual. The seventh and eighth columns give year and title information for the City Directories. If an individual was listed in both City Directory and Census for the same year, then that information has been entered on the same line. Occasionally there were multiple directories published in the same year, so date and title have been separated. The title usually refers to the publisher’s name. Why are some records missing information? Different documents recorded different types of information, so not all individuals will have the same information available. In addition, information that is illegible on the original document has been labeled [illeg.] Additionally, a fire destroyed the 1890 Census so the only information available for that time is from the City Directories. We have not fully searched the 1890 Directory yet, but check back periodically for updates. What if my family lived here before 1785?If your family members were living on the Alley prior to 1785, the date of our earliest City Directory, you should consult Hannah Benner Roach’s manuscript on Elfreth’s Alley at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. What if my family lived here after 1935?If you or your family lived here after 1935, we have withheld that information to protect your privacy. U.S. Census records are sealed for 70 years after their enumeration, so the latest census available is 1930. We have begun searching the 1935 City Directory, but have recorded only a few names thus far. If you submitted personal information to the Alley concerning yours or your family’s time here after 1935, we have withheld that information for verification and privacy purposes. What if I can’t find the exact
spelling of my last name? Try looking under similar spellings. Census takers recorded this information by hand, and thus often spelled names as they heard them. Names on the table have been transcribed exactly as the appeared on the original document. What if I know my relative lived on Elfreth’s
Alley, but they’re not on the list? The population of Elfreth’s Alley changed regularly and many residents were not here for more than two or three years. Consequently, they may not be recorded in the censuses, which are only conducted every 10 years. As we continue to review more City Directories and other documents, we will add them to the list and updating the web page, so please check back periodically. What if I find my relative on this list? If you find your relative on this list, you should fill out a Past Resident and Descendant Information Form available in PDF format (requires Adobe Acrobat) on this website or by contacting the Elfreth’s Alley Museum at: Elfreth’s Alley Association Can I copy these forms and give them to other family members?Yes! Please help us by telling your relatives about the Family Registry. What if I have questions about how to research my
family history? You should consult one of our research resources for questions about how to conduct research, where to locate information, or how to read historical documents. Elfreth’s Alley Association staff cannot answer these questions, but will be happy to answer inquiries about how to complete the data form, data collection and storage and future uses of the information. What will I receive for joining the Family Registry?By completing the forms and returning them to the address listed here, you will receive information about discounts for special events, Family Registry programs, and special educational opportunities at this National Historic Landmark. Cover Letter Past Resident and Descendant Information |
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