Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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:

Skip Niche Academy: Genealogy Tutorials widget

Tutorials: How to Use These Resources

Skip In House Use Only Text widget

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.

Skip Database: Access World News widget

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.

Skip Database: Ancestry widget

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

Skip Database: Black Life in America widget

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

Skip Database: Chicago Sun-Times (1986 - current) copy widget

logo

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.

Skip Database: FamilySearch widget

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

Skip Database: Fold3 widget

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

Skip Database: Heritage Hub widget

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.

Skip Database: Heritage Quest Online widget

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.

Skip Database: Indiana Genealogy Online widget

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.

Skip Database: IN Historical Society widget

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.

Skip Database: Indiana Room Online widget

A Pictorial History of Merrillville book cover

Indiana Room Online

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

Skip Database: Indiana State Digital Archives widget

Indiana State Digital Archives logo

Indiana State Digital Archives

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

Skip Database: IN State Library Genealogy Division widget

Indiana State Library logo

Indiana State Library Genealogy Division

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

Skip DATABASE: INSPIRE widget

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

Skip Database: Lake County High School Yearbooks widget

Historic 1960 Yearbook from Highland, Indiana

Lake County High School Yearbooks

Historic yearbooks from high schools in Lake County, Indiana

Skip Database: LCPL Catalog widget

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!

Skip Database: National Genealogical Society widget

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.

Skip Database: NewspaperArchive widget

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.

Skip Database: Online Post Tribune Obituary Index widget

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!)

Skip Database: Post Tribune (1986 - current) widget

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.

Skip Database: ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune widget

ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune Logo

ProQuest Historical Chicago Tribune

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

Skip Database: The Times (1990 - Current) widget

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
Skip Upcoming Events widget
Fri, Dec 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is NO INSTRUCTOR but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.

Sat, Dec 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 small prizes.... more
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. Please register.

Mon, Dec 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
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, all while earning... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

Mon, Dec 29, 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.
This event is full

Mon, Dec 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Upper Level
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.

Rescheduled
Mon, Dec 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
New date Monday, December 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

Mon, Dec 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the... more
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the Abyss campaign. Beginners and experienced players welcome!
This event is full

Tue, Dec 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
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, Dec 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us as we play some winter bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with... more
Join us as we play some winter bingo and win some small prizes, while supplies last. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.

Cancelled
Tue, Dec 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Merrillville
Celebrate the new year at our Noon Year's Eve Party! There will be stories, songs, a craft, and light refreshments. Please register so... more
Celebrate the new year at our Noon Year's Eve Party! There will be stories, songs, a craft, and light refreshments. Please register so we know how many supplies to order.

Tue, Dec 30, 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, Dec 30, 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, Dec 30, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
Meeting of the Lake County Public Library Board of Trustees

Wed, Dec 31, 11:30am - 12:10pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a special storytime, for our friends who can't always make it to midnight, featuring songs, rhymes, and crafts.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Dec 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Upper Level
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.

Sat, Jan 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Warm up to the new year with a game of Mario Party and some hot chocolate. For ages 12-18.

Can't Find It?
Skip Can't Find It? widget

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!