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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 The Times, 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. Full text coverage from November 1986 through today, including full color pages for current issues.

ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune Logo

ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune

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

the times logo

The Times (1990 - Current)

Catch up on current news or check out more than 30 years of local history in our archive of The Times. Full text coverage from 1990 through today, including full color pages for current issues.

Upcoming Events
Thu, Oct 24, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Thu, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 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.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 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

Thu, Oct 24, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
From lawsuits to divorces to guardianships, United States court records can provide exciting details about your ancestors and how they... more
From lawsuits to divorces to guardianships, United States court records can provide exciting details about your ancestors and how they interacted with others in their communities.

Thu, Oct 24, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Nita Prose's "The Maid". Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, Oct 24, 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 teach pre-reading/reading skills.... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading/reading skills. This program is for kids 4-6 years of age and their caregivers.

Thu, Oct 24, 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.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 24, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for Halloween fun with books, songs, rhymes, and a craft!
This event is full

Thu, Oct 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youths (ages 10 to 15) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if... more
Youths (ages 10 to 15) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative.Snacks provided.

Thu, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Kids in grades K-5 will become mad scientists as they perform fun, Halloween-themed experiments! Registration is required.
This event is full

Thu, Oct 24, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Thu, Oct 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Design your own yarn toy!

Thu, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Tweens, ages 10-12, are invited to come to the library to hangout with gaming systems, board games, and light snacks!

Fri, Oct 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Fri, Oct 25, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart Branch Library - 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, Oct 26, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting 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.

Cancelled
Sat, Oct 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to come and play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Sat, Oct 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Oct 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us to hear about the intriguing world of paranormal investigation. Learn how an investigation is conducted from start to finish,... more
Join us to hear about the intriguing world of paranormal investigation. Learn how an investigation is conducted from start to finish, plus a Q & A session with the team to follow.

Sat, Oct 26, 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 small prizes.

Mon, Oct 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This programs aims to help prepare adults to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS.

Mon, Oct 28, 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, Oct 28, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.

Mon, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a book discussion! A woman estranged from her family is called back home to help after her sister unexpectedly passes away.

Mon, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Lake Station-New Chicago branch for a Halloween party with snacks, crafts, and green screen photos. All ages are welcome!

Mon, Oct 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we learn about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) through activities and more!
This event is full

Mon, Oct 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Professional magician, illusionist, mentalist, and comedian, Keelan Wendorf, will give a performance filled with clean comedy and fun!... more
Professional magician, illusionist, mentalist, and comedian, Keelan Wendorf, will give a performance filled with clean comedy and fun! Please register each attendee. Sponsored by the LCPL Foundation.

Mon, Oct 28, 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, Oct 28, 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 October we are reading Through The Woods by... more
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In October we are reading Through The Woods by Emily Carroll. Pick up books @ Munster Branch.

Mon, Oct 28, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Come to a FREE educational presentation at the Library to find out what they are and... more
Important changes are coming to Medicare in 2024. Come to a FREE educational presentation at the Library to find out what they are and get the answers you need to all your Medicare questions! 

Mon, Oct 28, 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.

Mon, Oct 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Teens (ages 12 - 17) are invited to join us for a hour of Halloween activities, food crafts, and snacks. Our Nintendo Switch will be... more
Teens (ages 12 - 17) are invited to join us for a hour of Halloween activities, food crafts, and snacks. Our Nintendo Switch will be available to play with multiple games. Registration required.  

Tue, Oct 29, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Tue, Oct 29, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 29, 10:30am - 10:50am
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, Oct 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Large Meeting Room,Programming Room
Homeschoolers, come hang with your peers! Educational and social opportunities will be available.
This event is full

Tue, Oct 29, 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, Oct 29, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for... more
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while getting creative with no pressure for perfection. Coloring materials provided.

Cancelled
Tue, Oct 29, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Dyer-Schererville
Be Heart Smart is a program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making heart-healthy lifestyle... more
Be Heart Smart is a program for individuals who want to learn more about preventing heart disease by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Participants are asked to attend all 4 lessons.

Tue, Oct 29, 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.

Tue, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Looking to enjoy some scary stories? Join us when Grant Fitch presents Creepy Classics: Stories for Halloween.

Tue, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for some Halloween family fun with spooky science demonstrations, crafts, games and more! Costumes are encouraged!
This event is full

Wed, Oct 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to prepare adults to take the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS. Intermediate English level is required.

Cancelled
Wed, Oct 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville
Children are welcome to wear their costumes to our family Halloween themed story time! Songs, rhymes, finger plays, and books will be read!

Wed, Oct 30, 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, Oct 30, 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! Games and snacks provided. Ages 12-18.

Wed, Oct 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Oct 30, 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!

Wed, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens watch the classic Halloween favorite, Beetlejuice! Popcorn and snacks will be provided. Cosplay or wear your Halloween costumes... more
Teens watch the classic Halloween favorite, Beetlejuice! Popcorn and snacks will be provided. Cosplay or wear your Halloween costumes for a prize!

Wed, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Learn entry level photo editing skills with the free software Paint.NET

Wed, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you. We'll brainstorm and discuss ways to improve teen programs.

Wed, Oct 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Significant changes are coming to Medicare in 2025! Do you know what they are? Come to an educational presentation to find out, and get... more
Significant changes are coming to Medicare in 2025! Do you know what they are? Come to an educational presentation to find out, and get the answers you need to your other Medicare questions, as well!

Wed, Oct 30, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a game night for the grown ups. We will have board games and the Nintendo Switch.

Thu, Oct 31, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are... more
Join us at the library to work on assignments for school, read and socialize. The library has free WiFi available. All students are welcome. Students ages 12 and under need adult supervision.

Thu, Oct 31, 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, Oct 31, 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, Oct 31, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Wrong Place Wrong Time" by Gillian McCallister. Books for this discussion can be... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "Wrong Place Wrong Time" by Gillian McCallister. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the DY-SC branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, Oct 31, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Costumes encouraged! Join us for some stories and afterward we will go on a parade through the library and trick-or-treat!

Thu, Oct 31, 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.

Sat, Nov 02, 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, Nov 02, 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, Nov 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting 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, Nov 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program, participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Nov 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Alfred Hitchcock directed this Oscar-winning Daphne du Maurier story of a marriage haunted by the aura of the husband's dead first wife.... more
Alfred Hitchcock directed this Oscar-winning Daphne du Maurier story of a marriage haunted by the aura of the husband's dead first wife. Runtime: 2 hours;10 mins.

Sat, Nov 02, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos and paint a sugar skull canvas painting. All supplies will be provided. Must 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!