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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
Wed, May 22, 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.
This event is full

Wed, May 22, 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, May 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Department
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, May 22, 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, May 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn the best healthy living practices for your brain and body. This is a part of the Purdue Extension Alzheimer's Awareness series. ... more
Learn the best healthy living practices for your brain and body. This is a part of the Purdue Extension Alzheimer's Awareness series. Registration required.

Wed, May 22, 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, May 22, 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, May 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.

Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more... more
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more details. Please register.

Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens, ages 11-17, can earn volunteer hours by helping out during our summer reading program! Attend one of our training sessions to... more
Teens, ages 11-17, can earn volunteer hours by helping out during our summer reading program! Attend one of our training sessions to sign up and learn how you can help! Please register.

Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will create their own bookmark shaped like a butterfly! Ages 12-18. Registration is required.

Thu, May 23, 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, May 23, 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, May 23, 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, May 23, 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, May 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an informal and relaxed discussion of Sonia Purnell's "A Woman of No Importance." Copies are available at the Munster branch.

Thu, May 23, 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, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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

Thu, May 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Teens (11-17 years old) can earn volunteer hours this summer! If you are unable to attend this training but would like to volunteer call... more
Teens (11-17 years old) can earn volunteer hours this summer! If you are unable to attend this training but would like to volunteer call (219) 962-2409 to schedule a 1-on-1 training session.

Thu, May 23, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Thu, May 23, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Taste-test some different brands of salsa in honor of National Salsa Month!

Thu, May 23, 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.

Canceled
Thu, May 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
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, May 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us at the library to create a clay craft using air-dry clay.
This event is full

Thu, May 23, 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, May 24, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a comprehensive course using a blended model with about 2 hours of online coursework to be finished... more
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a comprehensive course using a blended model with about 2 hours of online coursework to be finished BEFORE the class. Registration is required and will end on May 20.
Registration is now closed

Rescheduled
Fri, May 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Friday, May 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville
Come make easy and beautiful art using buttons and cereal boxes.

Fri, May 24, 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, May 25, 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, May 25, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children are welcome to come and open play chess in our meeting room! Chess boards will be provided if you don't have one!

Sat, May 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A married couple begins divorce proceedings, while they each try to undermine each other's attempts to find new romance. Runtime: 91... more
A married couple begins divorce proceedings, while they each try to undermine each other's attempts to find new romance. Runtime: 91 minutes.

Sat, May 25, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application & waiver signed by a parent.

Tue, May 28, 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, May 28, 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, May 28, 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, music,... 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 support early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, May 28, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, May 28, 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, music that teach early literacy... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.

Tue, May 28, 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, May 28, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee & tea while getting creative with no pressure for... more
Relax via this coloring for adults open session. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee & tea while getting creative with no pressure for perfection. Coloring materials provided.

Tue, May 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application signed by a parent.

Tue, May 28, 11:30am - 11:50am
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, music,... 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, May 28, 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 skills. This... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This program is for kids 4 to 6 years of age and their caregivers.

Tue, May 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the Fact or Fiction Book Club in discussing "The River of Doubt" by Candice Millard. Copies are available at the Highland Branch.

Tue, May 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Dyer-Schererville Zoom Room
The Virtual Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up... more
The Virtual Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event

Tue, May 28, 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, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - 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.

Tue, May 28, 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, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join the Calumet Astronomical Society to learn about various topics on the cosmos!

Wed, May 29, 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, May 29, 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, May 29, 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, May 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Merrillville
Assist librarians to make the library your space. Improve activities and programs and earn volunteer hours!

Wed, May 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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 Wii and Switch.

Wed, May 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens, ages 14 - 17, who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application signed by a parent.

Thu, May 30, 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, May 30, 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, May 30, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the... more
The Between the Lines Book Club reads "Switchboard Soldiers" by Jennifer Chiaverini. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch a month prior to the event.

Thu, May 30, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
This class will cover websites that provide access to burials in cemeteries. Learn strategies and tools to uncover death and burial... more
This class will cover websites that provide access to burials in cemeteries. Learn strategies and tools to uncover death and burial information to enhance your genealogy research.

Thu, May 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more... more
Teens, 11 to 17 years old, can earn volunteer hours during our Summer Reading Program! Attend one of the training meetings for more details. Please register.

Thu, May 30, 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, May 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join us at the library to create a clay craft using air-dry clay.

Thu, May 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Create tie dye shirts with us during our next adult craft night! Dye will be provided, but you must provide your own white 100% cotton... more
Create tie dye shirts with us during our next adult craft night! Dye will be provided, but you must provide your own white 100% cotton t-shirt. This time we'll learn how to make the bulls-eye pattern.
This event is full

Fri, May 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room A
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all... more
Teens ages 14 years old & up who wish to volunteer during the summer will receive training. Parents are not required to attend but all volunteers must have an application & waiver signed by a parent.

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!