Who Owns Philadelphians’ Family History? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 28 MIN

Who Owns Philadelphians’ Family History?

from City Cast Philly · host City Cast

Mayor Cherelle Parker recently inked a deal with the genealogy research company Ancestry.com, allowing the website to add Philadelphia’s public records to its database. Now, the trove of documents stowed at City Hall and the City Archives will be scanned, digitized, and easily searchable online, but if you want to browse from your home, it'll come with a price. The deal has sparked questions over how data about our ancestors, from marriage licenses to death certificates, can find new life online. Host Trenae Nuri is talking with Chelsea Cox, a content creator for Technical.ly Philly, about how this move could change who has access to your family history. Read more of Chelsea's full story here.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Women Against Abuse Heiler Painting

Mayor Cherelle Parker recently inked a deal with the genealogy research company Ancestry.com, allowing the website to add Philadelphia’s public records to its database. Now, the trove of documents stowed at City Hall and the City Archives will be scanned, digitized, and easily searchable online, but if you want to browse from your home, it'll come with a price. The deal has sparked questions over how data about our ancestors, from marriage licenses to death certificates, can find new life online. Host Trenae Nuri is talking with Chelsea Cox, a content creator for Technical.ly Philly, about how this move could change who has access to your family history. Read more of Chelsea's full story here.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Women Against Abuse Heiler Painting

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Who Owns Philadelphians’ Family History?

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This episode was published on April 16, 2026.

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Mayor Cherelle Parker recently inked a deal with the genealogy research company Ancestry.com, allowing the website to add Philadelphia’s public records to its database. Now, the trove of documents stowed at City Hall and the City Archives will be...

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