Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree

A guide to getting started with researching your family tree including links to Indiana and national websites about genealogy.

Online Databases

Ancestry Library Edition
Available only at the library, this database provides access to genealogy, family trees and family history records via documents that record the lineage of over 4 billion individuals.

Catalog Searches

More Materials

Google your family tree unlocking the hidden power of Google
Lynch, Daniel M.
929.10285 LYN

Hoosier genealogist
PERIODICAL

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kinds of genealogical materials can I find at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library?

You will find a wide selection of materials covering basic methods of genealogical research and aids to navigating the ever-growing amount of information available to the genealogist. Our Central Library maintains a collection of Indiana county histories and an extensive file of local newspaper clippings that can aid in genealogical research.

Where can I find collections of actual genealogical resources such as family histories and census records?

Genealogists can find genealogical resources in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Library Genealogy Division. Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne houses the other major collection of genealogy materials in Indiana.

Can I find information online about cemeteries?

Yes. The Indiana State Library maintains a database of Indiana cemeteries. Comprehensive websites such as Cyndi's List include links for cemeteries outside of Indiana.

Web Sites

Indiana State Library Genealogy Division
Home to one of the major genealogical collections in the Midwest. The site includes a virtual tour, e-mail reference requests, and a list of independent researchers.

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Gateway
Located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Allen County Public Library houses one of the largest genealogy collection in the United States.

Indiana Genealogical Society
In addition to preserving materials related to the early settlement of Indiana, the Society also aids in the publications of family histories and researches family migration in the state.

Genealogical Society of Marion County
A chapter of the Indiana Genealogical Society, this society maintains a directory of cemeteries in Marion County, and a guide to Marion County church records in their site's Marion County Data section.

Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites
Gateway access to thousands of links arranged by category.

Family Search
Established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this site offers access to the largest collection of genealogical data.

United States Genealogy Sleuth
A list of links to many websites for genealogy research.

U. S. Genealogy Web Project
Categorized by state and county -- one of the best basic sources.

The Society of Indiana Pioneers
Composed of people who are descendants of the early settlers of Indiana.

Find A Grave

The National Archives
The National Archives offers resources for genealogists and family historians originating from every branch of the Federal government.

Indiana State Library Cemetery Locator File

Africana Heritage Project