Whether you’re serious genealogist or just dabbling in family history research, the Library has everything you need. We offer online resources as well as materials for checkout. If you need one-on-one assistance, our genealogy librarians Kristen McCallum and Virginia Donahue can help.
Visit our Genealogy Resources page on the Adult Services blog.
Learn more about Genealogy and what’s involved.
Check out our upcoming genealogy classes:
Will the Real Sven Larsson Please Stand Up? Getting Started in Swedish Genealogy
Tuesday, October 18 • 7–8:30 pm
Genealogy Lecturer Dr. Dan Hubbard discusses Swedish last names that can be fluid and confusing, and Swedish geography that trips up the uninitiated. Learn about available records. Register
Genealogy Steps to Success
Friday, November 4 • 5–6:30 pm
Librarian Kristen McCallum will walk you through the fundamentals of solid genealogical research. Learn tips for recording and organizing your research. Discover how to use information from family sources and public records to fill in the leaves of your family tree. A refresher course suitable for beginning to advanced genealogists. Register
After Hours Genealogy Workshop
Friday, November 4 • 6–11 pm
Our popular semiannual evening of personal research time returns! Librarians will be available for research help. Access Ancestry Library Edition and other useful resources. Snacks and drinks provided. When registering, please let us know if you need a library desktop computer or will bring your own laptop to use our free Wi-Fi. Limit of 30 library desktop computers. Register
Researching at Appomattox Court House: Genealogy through the Lens of the Civil War
Tuesday, November 15 • 7–8:30 pm
Records aren’t just about soldiers and sailors! Dr. Dan Hubbard will take you through a variety of unusual records created before, during, and after the Civil War and tell the story of a whole generation. Register
“Holy Cow! Where are My Polish Chicago Catholics Now?”
Sunday, November 20 • 2–4 pm
Teresa Steinkamp McMillin will help you find your Polish ancestors’ sacramental records (i.e., baptism, confirmation, marriage and funeral documents). This presentation will also be offered as a webinar. More information posted on the Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA) web site at www.pgsa.org, PGSA Notebook, and Rodziny prior to the meeting. The meeting and presentation are open to the public. Register