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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
Rescheduled
Fri, Apr 19, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
New date Saturday, April 20, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Hobart
Join us to craft a planter to grow your plants from seed to sprout!

Fri, Apr 19, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and create enchanting homemade greeting cards with assistance from local Debbie Rodriguez with The Basement Bunch. Cash fee of... more
Join us and create enchanting homemade greeting cards with assistance from local Debbie Rodriguez with The Basement Bunch. Cash fee of $15 paid at time of event covers all materials for 3-4 cards.

Sat, Apr 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Apr 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm
DS - Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Apr 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.

Sat, Apr 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Three friends struggle to find work in Paris. Things become more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman. Runtime... more
Three friends struggle to find work in Paris. Things become more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman. Runtime of 114 minutes.

Sat, Apr 20, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us to craft a planter to grow your plants from seed to sprout!

Mon, Apr 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to help adults prepare to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS.

Mon, Apr 22, 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.

Mon, Apr 22, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection... more
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection and support of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in our community.

Mon, Apr 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming 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.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In April we are reading A Good Girls Guide to... more
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In April we are reading A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. Pick up books @ Munster Branch.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - 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.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch will be available with... more
A selection of board games (and snacks!) will be provided for you and fellow teens to play. A Nintendo Switch will be available with multiple games. Registration is required. Ages 12 - 18

Tue, Apr 23, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that... more
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that teach pre-reading skills and prepare children for school.

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teaches early... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teaches early literacy skills. In-person craft time will follow the storytime.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Learn how to save and create an attainable budget with First Financial Bank

Tue, Apr 23, 11:00am - 11:30am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Parents and caregivers of children, birth-23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore... more
Parents and caregivers of children, birth-23 months, are welcome to chat with one another and enjoy a refreshment while children explore with books and puzzles! Registration is required.

Tue, Apr 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 23, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in-person craft that teaches pre-reading skills. This... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in-person craft that teaches pre-reading skills. This program is for kids 4 to 6 years of age and their caregivers.

Tue, Apr 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The Invisible Life by Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab. Copies are available at the... more
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The Invisible Life by Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Tue, Apr 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Dyer-Schererville Zoom Room
The Virtual Between the Lines Book Club reads From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the... more
The Virtual Between the Lines Book Club reads From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Tue, Apr 23, 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Participants ages 9 through 13 can register for this 45- minute program where they will make their own galaxy space slime.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 23, 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane",... more
Have you seen people playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and want to try it yourself? We will be playing the fantasy RPG "Dragonbane", a game similar to D&D. Beginners are welcome. For ages 12-18.

Tue, Apr 23, 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.

Tue, Apr 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various topics on the cosmos!

Wed, Apr 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Wed, Apr 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This class aims to help adults prepare to take the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS office.

Wed, Apr 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Wed, Apr 24, 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.

Wed, Apr 24, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!
This event is full

Wed, Apr 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends... more
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends to join in on the fun! Ages 12-18.

Wed, Apr 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Children and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations for an hour of block play and learning.

Wed, Apr 24, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5.

Wed, Apr 24, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
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!

Canceled
Wed, Apr 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Merrillville
Assist librarians to make the library your space. Improve activities and programs and earn volunteer hours!

Wed, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Werewolf is a social deduction game where you must find out who the werewolf is before everyone else is taken out. Need at least 5... more
Werewolf is a social deduction game where you must find out who the werewolf is before everyone else is taken out. Need at least 5 people to play. Ages 11-17

Wed, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will compete in a variety of minute to win it games for cool prizes! Ages 12-18. Registration is required.

Wed, Apr 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Each week, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity. This is a 6 week program; sign up for all or... more
Each week, we will explore a different component of art and do a corresponding activity. This is a 6 week program; sign up for all or choose individual sessions to attend.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's classic film, Casablanca. Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Apr 25, 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, Apr 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Apr 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Meeting Room A
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity... more
All Ability: Hangout is a program designed for adults with special needs. Each session we will read picture books and do an activity centered around a theme. Caretakers must stay in the room.

Thu, Apr 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 25, 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.

Thu, Apr 25, 11:15am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines Book Club reads From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville... more
The Between the Lines Book Club reads From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
Join us for a genealogy program. Amanda Aguilera from the Hammond Public Library in Lake County, Indiana will be our in person speaker. ... more
Join us for a genealogy program. Amanda Aguilera from the Hammond Public Library in Lake County, Indiana will be our in person speaker. Join via Zoom as well.

Thu, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Michelle Zauner's "Crying in H Mart." Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, Apr 25, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.

Thu, Apr 25, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be photographed and... more
Children may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be photographed and displayed on the next month's flyer!

Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Create a miniature fairy garden at our next Adult Craft Night! All materials will be provided, but bring your own miniatures if you... more
Create a miniature fairy garden at our next Adult Craft Night! All materials will be provided, but bring your own miniatures if you like. Miniatures can be purchased from Amazon or Dollar Tree.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 25, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for bedtime stories and songs. Wear your favorite pajamas and sing along to some lullabies. PJs are encouraged but not required.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Children and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations for an hour of block play and learning.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch - Children's Area
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the... more
Meet and read to a local LCC K-9 comfort dog and its handler. LCC K-9 comfort dogs show kindness and calm to people throughout the community and beyond, making them excellent listeners.

Sat, Apr 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Apr 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to play Bingo! All ages are welcome to play. Winners will be able to choose from a variety of books for a prize.

Sat, Apr 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us for a trivia competition! Work in teams or individually to answer general knowledge, history, and pop culture questions to... more
Join us for a trivia competition! Work in teams or individually to answer general knowledge, history, and pop culture questions to become a Library Trivia CHAMPION!!! Please register.

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!