The Library's Genealogy & Local History department houses one of the nation’s largest and oldest genealogy collections. Highlights include the complete U.S. federal census (1790–1930), passenger lists, city directories, military histories, maps, church and cemetery records, and slave and freedmen records. Resources from all 50 states and many foreign countries are available.
Services
Genealogy and Local History Department staff offers specialized reference assistance to all customers, from children and beginning genealogists to professional researchers and scholars. The department presents monthly tours, co-sponsors programs with the Hamilton County Genealogical Society, and will develop programs tailored to the needs of any size class or group, including family reunions. To schedule a program, contact the department in person, by phone, or email.
Related Library Resources
- Brochure: Greater Cincinnati Genealogy Resources (PDF)
- Brochure: African American Family History Resources at the Library (PDF)
- Podcast: Irish Genealogy: Some Tips on Getting started with Colleen Phillips
- Podcast: Getting Started in African American Genealogy with Thomas Jordan
- Podcast: Finding Frances: A Genealogists Journey Discovering Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Podcast: Lucy’s Story: Larry Hamilton, Genealogists and Author
Related Library Databases
Featured Research Databases
Genealogy Staff Picks
The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy
by Blaine T. Bettinger
"Blaine Bettinger has written a colorfully illustrated and clearly explained source on what today has become the most widely used tool in genealogy research."
Staff pick Genealogy and Local History staff, Main Library
