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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:

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Tutorials: How to Use These Resources

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This resource may only be used within the libraryDatabases with this icon near the title may only be accessed from Lake County Public Library's public computers, located at each of our branches.

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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.

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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

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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

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Chicago Sun-Times (1986 - Current)

Current news plus a 39 year archive of the Chicago Sun Times. Full text coverage from 1986 through today, including full color pages for current issues.

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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

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Fold3

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

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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.

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Heritage Quest Online

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

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Indiana Genealogy Online

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

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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.

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Indiana Room Online

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

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Indiana State Digital Archives

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

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Indiana State Library Genealogy Division

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

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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

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Historic 1960 Yearbook from Highland, Indiana

Lake County High School Yearbooks

Historic yearbooks from high schools in Lake County, Indiana

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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!

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National Genealogical Society

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

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NewspaperARCHIVE Library Edition

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

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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!)

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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.

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ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune

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

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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
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Tue, Jan 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Join Kathy, a Certified Laughter Leader-Expert, for this 8-week series to relieve mental and physical discomfort by laughing!

Tue, Jan 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us to learn about the selected art style/movement, and make your own artwork. All materials provided. Please register.

Wed, Jan 21, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us as we watch Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz. Rated PG. Runtime: 2hr 40mins.

Thu, Jan 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn how to play Magic the Gathering and start building your own deck! Veteran players, try your deck against someone else! Supplies... more
Learn how to play Magic the Gathering and start building your own deck! Veteran players, try your deck against someone else! Supplies provided. If you have a deck already, bring it!

Can't Find It?
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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!