See also: School and university records
Yearbooks, also referred to as annuals, are books published yearly that include photographs, biographical information, and the history of an organization. Most commonly associated with schools, yearbooks can also be published by organizations, including the military, that want to commemorate a class or a year.
History of Yearbooks
Yale University published the first known yearbook in the United States in 1806. In 1823 the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy published its “Signia” yearbook (the first to be extant), and twenty-two years later, the first high school yearbook was published.[2] However, these published yearbooks were not the first student efforts to capture the memories of school days. Yearbooks are believed to have roots centuries before when they were handmade creations that resemble modern-day scrapbooks. The 19th century saw the advent of better printing presses and photography, making the yearbook publication we are familiar with today possible.
As yearbooks evolved during the 20th century, they went from a publication found primarily in high schools and colleges to one printed by elementary and middle schools as well. Changes to the yearbook include hard and soft covers, full-color photos, and histories of the time period.
The Genealogical Relevance of Yearbooks
Genealogists use yearbooks because they are a record of a person in a specific location and time. Although they do not typically provide vital record information such as a birth or marriage date and place, they hint at the approximate age of the person and where they were in a specific year. They may also provide hints about other aspects of the person’s life, including familial relations and military service.
Although it differs by year, yearbooks can include:
- Name
- Location
- Grade Level
- Activities and events
- Photos (portrait and candid)
- Signatures from friends and teachers
When thinking of researching school yearbooks, we often consider just the student. Keep in mind that yearbooks also document the staff and faculty of that institution. They may also document alumni, especially those famous alumni from years passed.
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Yearbooks were financed by selling copies to students and other supporters. They were also made possible by advertisements placed by local merchants. Later in the 20th century, families of graduates could place advertisements that included thoughts for their loved ones and additional photos.
Signatures
Signatures of fellow students, staff, faculty, and others have been a staple of yearbooks. In some cases, someone may just sign their name; in others, they may add biographical information or just well wishes. If you have an ancestral yearbook, read through the signatures to see if any information can be gleaned about your ancestor.
Mistakes in Researching Yearbooks
Yearbooks are a great resource, but review them carefully as you research. Some mistakes that can be made when using a yearbook include the following:
- Assuming an ancestor is not in the yearbook because their name does not appear in the index.
- Assuming that the name is spelled correctly.
- Assuming that the ancestor’s photo will be placed in the correct class.
- Assuming that a portrait is not included that the yearbook has no other information about the ancestor.
- Assuming they did not attend a specific school because they do not appear in the yearbook.
Where to Find Yearbooks
Yearbooks can be found in various locations online and off.
MyHeritage has a collection of over 275 million digitized yearbook records.
You may find copies of yearbooks if the school or organization has a library or archive. A local public library may have copies of yearbooks for local area schools. University yearbooks can be found in the university library or online through their digital collections. Some genealogy-focused libraries, including the Allen County Public Library, have yearbooks in their collection at the Genealogy Center in Ft Wayne, Indiana.
Utilize WorldCat to search for yearbooks held by participating libraries.
Search for yearbooks
Explore more about yearbooks
- MyHeritage yearbook collection at MyHeritage
- U.S. Yearbooks, 1890-1979 at MyHeritage
- U.S. Yearbooks Names Index 1890-1979 at MyHeritage
- Kansas State Agricultural College Yearbook at MyHeritage
- Mississippi State University (Starkville) Yearbook at MyHeritage
- Discover Your Family in School Yearbooks at MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- MyHeritage Ask the Expert - Hidden Treasures on MyHeritage Yearbooks at MyHeritage YouTube channel
References
- ↑ Ft. Smith High School yearbook from 1932 on MyHeritage Yearbook collections
- ↑ Looking at the never-ending evolution of the high school yearbook, Lenconnect.com