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Genealogy Databases

Track your family history and find your roots with the help of these tools dedicated to genealogy! You can also discover interesting information about the history of a specific region.

 Looking for local history? Try:

Tutorials: How to Use These Resources

This resource may only be used within the libraryThis image indicates a resource that may only be accessed from Lake County Public Library's public computers, located at each of our branches.

Access World News Logo

Access World News

Explore and stay informed on local, national and international topics, people and events. Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources from around the world to around the corner, including Gary Post Tribune and the Merrillville Post Tribune.

Ancestry Library Edition Logo

This resource may only be used within the library Ancestry Library Edition

An easy-to-use genealogy tool that will help you trace your ancestors. Also includes downloadable charts to help you track your family!
View Tutorial

Black Life in America logo

Black Life in America

Comprehensive coverage of the African American experience from the early 18th century to the present day. Sourced from more than 19,000 American and global news sources, including over 400 current and historical Black publications.
Learn How to Use It

Genealogy Database

FamilySearch.org

A standard, free genealogy website that anyone may use from any location. More records may be available when connecting from LCPL locations.
View Tips

Fold3 Logo

Fold3

Convenient access to U.S. military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. View Tutorial

heritage hub logo

Heritage Hub

Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1824 – today.

Heritage Quest Icon

Heritage Quest Online

Provides several searchable sources, including the U.S. Census, Freedman's Bank, and land grants from the Revolutionary War.

Genealogy Database Icon

Indiana Genealogy Online

Researches and documents genealogical data throughout the state. Includes requirements for participation, areas in need of work, and archives.

Historic 1913 Yearbook from Hobart, Indiana

Indiana Historical Society

Learn about the society's collections, exhibits and publications. Includes a Today in Indiana History feature and online copies of Hoosier Genealogist.

A Pictorial History of Merrillville book cover

Indiana Room Online

Historic books, pamphlets, reports, newsletters, and other materials from Lake County, Indiana

Indiana State Digital Archives logo

Indiana State Digital Archives

Browse through the indexes to many of the most popular State Archives collections.

Indiana State Library logo

Indiana State Library Genealogy Division

Contains searchable databases indexing Indiana cemeteries and Indiana marriages through 1850.

INSPIRE logo

INSPIRE

A searchable database of databases, free to all Indiana residents. INSPIRE works at any LCPL location, but you can also create an account confirming your Indiana residency for home access. More info on home access

Historic 1960 Yearbook from Highland, Indiana

Lake County High School Yearbooks

Historic yearbooks from high schools in Lake County, Indiana

LCPL Logo

LCPL Catalog

Our very own catalog contains helpful materials for getting started in your research. Find Indiana-specific records and indexes, encyclopedias, newspapers, and more!

National Genealogical Society Logo

National Genealogical Society

Outlines services and publications of the NGS, offers tips for beginners, soundex history and methods, and links to other genealogy sites.

NewspaperArchive logo

NewspaperARCHIVE Library Edition

Browse through global and local newspaper articles dating back to 1607. Search by first and last name, dates, or regions.

Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society Logo

Northwest Indiana Genealogy Society

Genealogical information on Lake and Porter counties.

Newspaper Obituary Icon

Online Post Tribune or Gary Post Tribune Obituary Index (1921 - Current)

Search local obituaries by name, partial name, maiden name, date, city, and age. Once you've found the obituary, we'll be happy to pull a copy for your records. (Note: If you need an obituary that is missing, please use our Ask a Librarian form - we'll look it up for you!)

Genealogy Database Icon

Post-Tribune (1986 - Current)

Search more than 30 years of Indiana history with the Post-Tribune Collection. Coverage from 1986 through today, including full color pages, full-text and web-only content.

ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune Logo

ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune

Every article of the Chicago Tribune's archive is available in this database.

Upcoming Events
Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105... more
Families are welcome to bring a picnic-style lunch and enjoy a movie at the library each Monday during Summer Reading. Rated PG; 105 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks... more
Bring the whole family! The room will be lighter, the volume will be lower, and audience members can move around, talk, and sing. Snacks are welcome! Rated PG; 87 minute runtime.

Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and... more
Teens & Tweens (9-17 years old) try to build the tallest, fastest, coolest roller coaster with miscellaneous recycled materials and building supplies. Please register.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Book Buddies will be discussing "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams.

Mon, Jul 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in... more
Record your summer of adventures by journaling! You can submit (2) photos to hobart@lcplin.org the week prior, and we will print them in color for you to add that personal touch.

Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Join a livestream chat with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels.

Tue, Jul 30, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us every other Tuesday to try out a new craft or art project, June 4 - July 30! All supplies provided. Please register.

Tue, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville Branch - East Parking Lot
Come out and join us for our end of summer event!

Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Rescheduled
Wed, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
New date Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories... more
Patrons are invited to engage in a livestream conversation with Dan Santat as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. The event will be shown on a large screen.

Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural... more
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

Wed, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A
Join us as we say goodbye to Summer Reading 2024 with games, crafts and refreshments (including ice cream!) Registration is required.

Wed, Jul 31, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Jul 31, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adventurers wanted! Join us for summer role-playing sessions featuring perilous quests, intrepid evil, and an unforgettable journey.

Thu, Aug 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Aug 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Aug 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of Simply Lies, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Aug 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full

Sat, Aug 03, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your... more
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials.... more
Create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for... more
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am
Highland - Meeting Room A
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online... more
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.

Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital... more
Operation Safe Kids presents the “Live scan Child ID”, a document containing a photograph, digitized inkless fingerprints, and vital identification information. Parents will leave with this card.

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like board games? So do we! Come on in and join us for a fun-filled game session. We provide the games...you provide the energy!

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages... more
Join us in welcoming Joe Rauen at the library! Joe will give a short presentation and then you can enjoy a musical performance. All ages are welcome! Check out his website: joerauen.com

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be... more
Children of all ages and their families are invited to come play a variety of board games, card games and Switch video games will be available. Snacks provided.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 05, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An unbreakable bond is forged between a pro adventure racer and a street dog. Runtime: 107 mins Rating: PG-13

Mon, Aug 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited.... more
Choose from several crafts to help decorate your locker and get ready for the return to school. Ages 12 – 18. Space is limited. Registration required.

Tue, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Portugal. Runtime: 52 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Tue, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Can't Find It?

If you can't find what you're looking for in any of our databases, give your local library a call. They can help you figure out which databases would be most helpful to you to further research your topic.

If you'd like to ask a librarian, but it's after library hours, just head over to our Ask a Librarian page! This form lets you contact us at any time of day or night. We'll get you an answer within 24 business hours. Happy researching!