Journey into the Past

Fascinated with family or local history? The Massillon Public Library is the place to come! We’ve been busy with local history questions and have had a great time digging into the past. Massillon natives from the early 1900’s and 1940’s have held the spotlight during the recent weeks. The Reference Department from Stark County District Library called on us for help with researching Robert Scott, a former Massillon Tiger football player who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Their patron was an author writing a history of Ohio High School Sports and wanted to know if Mr. Scott played football in Massillon. The answer was found in a 1932 yearbook.

A second query came in concerning Massillonian Robert P. Skinner, former Ambassador to Ethiopia and author of several books on the subject. Our patron was a student from Walsh University working on a graduate thesis. We were able to provide assistance by finding information on a Library of Congress microfilm owned by the library.

As you can see, researching people, places and family can be quite fun and interesting. We have a host of resources and programs here at the library ready for your curiosity and fingertips. Massillon City Directories, Washington High School Year Books, the Massillon Business Database, the Obituary Index and The Rotch-Wales Papers make up just a few of our local history resources. Visit our Genealogy page on the library’s website to find numerous links and additional resources. Also, be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for upcoming programs.