Research Tools & Guides

Genealogy

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Ancestry Library Edition

Genealogy database with census, birth, marriage, death records and more.

Remote access to this resource is temporarily allowed due to COVID-19 and public health concerns. You may access this resource from home with your library card. Library users are not able to set up a username and password; the service works the same as in-library.

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Brought to you by CADL

CADL Local History Online

Capital Area District Library's Local History Online digital collections. Contains photographs, vintage postcards, school yearbooks, documents, and more.

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Brought to you by MeL

MyHeritage Library Edition

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.

Research Tools & Guides

Events for History Buffs

Reminisce Group (Adults)

Tuesday Jan 18, 2022 2:00pm - 3:00pm Aurelius Our group meets monthly for reminiscing, fellowship and refreshments. New members are always welcome!
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*Virtual Michigan Tales: The Indian Removal Act and the Treaty of 1836 (Teens & Adults)

Tuesday Jan 18, 2022 6:00pm - 7:00pm
All Locations
The Michigan Tales series connects you with our culture, our history, our great state! Today's focus is on the The Indian Removal Act, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, which forcibly removed Native Americans from their homes in Michigan. The Treaty of Washington of 1836 helped create ways for Native people of Northern Michigan to stay near their homes. This fascinating overview of both laws is presented by Eric Hemenway, the Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. *Registration required to receive a link to the virtual event; call 517-367-6312 or click on "Register." Read More

*Virtual Michigan Tales: Birdwatching and Birding (Teens & Adults)

Tuesday Feb 15, 2022 6:00pm - 7:00pm
All Locations
Enjoy beautiful photography as you learn about the joys of birding in our area. Topics include the differences between birdwatching and birding, how to attract more birds to your backyard, types of seed and feeders, and much more. All experience levels welcome. Presented by Greg Bodker, a former Board member for Michigan Audubon and a winner in multiple amateur photo contests. Bodker has birded throughout North America, including all 83 of Michigan's counties. *Registration required to receive a link to the virtual event; call 517-367-6312 or click on "Register." Read More

*Black History Month Virtual Event: Quilts of the Underground Railroad with Miz Rosie (All ages)

Sunday Feb 20, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm
All Locations
Join us online for a special event featuring storyteller Miz Rosie as she talks about how quilts were used for messaging in the Underground Railroad. She will share  some quilts that contain special symbols and tell stories about the role of the Underground Railroad in rescuing Black Americans from slavery. *Registration required in order to receive a link to the virtual event; call 517-367-612 or click on "Register." Read More
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