Genealogy
Premium Tools
Brought to you by CADL
Genealogy database with census, birth, marriage, death records and more.
Must use at a CADL Library
Brought to you by CADL
Capital Area District Library's Local History Online digital collections. Contains photographs, vintage postcards, school yearbooks, documents, and more.
Brought to you by MeL
Family history resource including more than 6 billion historical records from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and other regions. Includes the full USA federal census (1790-1940); census of England and Wales (1841-1901); U.S. World War II Army Enlistment as well as records of Union and Confederate Civil War soldiers. Over 2 billion family trees.
Request a Lansing-Area Obituary
To request an obituary for the greater Lansing area, please read and complete this form, and mail it to Capital Area District Libraries with your payment. Staff will conduct a search and contact you with any results.
Other Resources
Cyndi’s List
A categorized and cross-referenced index to genealogical resources on the Internet.
Ellis Island On-line
Access to immigration records from Ellis Island New York.
Family Search
Access to the genealogical resources gathered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Learn How to Get Started Using FamilySearch
Library of Michigan Genealogy Resources
Information about the Library of Michigan's extensive genealogy resources.
Michigan County Histories and Atlases
Searchable county histories and atlases published before 1923.
Rootsweb
A free genealogy community to help people research their family history.
Sanborn Map Collection
A searchable digital archive of pre 1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps brought to you by the Library of Congress.
USGenWeb
Genealogy websites in every county and every state of the United States.
Additional Genealogy Resources
These additional resources are recommended by CADL staff.
Events for History Buffs
Researching Your House (Adults)
Wednesday Oct 5, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm Leslie CADL Local History Librarian will show you how you can get started researching the history of your home. Read MoreForgotten Michigan: Ghost Towns, Forgotten Places and People of the Past
Thursday Oct 13, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm Stockbridge Share author and local historian Dana Johnson's enthusiasm for a variety of topics focusing on small towns and forgotten lore of Michigan's people and places of the past. Today's presentation is titled Michigan's Lost, Forgotten & Unforgettable Places. This program will take place at the Stockbridge Senior Center. Read MoreForgotten Michigan: Ghost Towns, Forgotten Places and People of the Past
Thursday Oct 27, 2022 6:30pm - 7:30pm Okemos Share author and local historian Dana Johnson's enthusiasm for a variety of topics focusing on small towns and forgotten lore of Michigan's people and places of the past. Today's presentation is titled Michigan's Pioneers, Legends & Tribal Chiefs. Read MoreForgotten Michigan: Ghost Towns, Forgotten Places and People of the Past
Wednesday Nov 2, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm Leslie Share author and local historian Dana Johnson's enthusiasm for a variety of topics focusing on small towns and forgotten lore of Michigan's people and places of the past. Today's presentation is titled Ghost Towns of Michigan. Read MorePysanky Eggs with Emily Blakely (Teens & Adults)
Saturday Nov 5, 2022 1:00pm - 3:00pm South Lansing Pysanky egg design is a traditional and beautiful way of decorating eggs that originates from the Ukraine. Learn, hands-on, how to create this beautiful art form. The class involves working with an open flame and is intended for adult or with active adult supervision and participation. Read MoreMore Like These