Genealogy
Premium Tools
Genealogy database with census, birth, marriage, death records and more.
Must use at a CADL Library
Capital Area District Library's Local History Online digital collections. Contains photographs, vintage postcards, school yearbooks, documents, and more.
This is a collection of newspapers held by the Ingham County Genealogical Society (ICGS), consisting primarily of the Ingham County News (1860-1969 with some gaps*). The collection also includes single issues or just a few issues for the following titles: The Michigan Farmer and State Agricultural News (1872); The Evening News (Detroit, 1873); The Stockbridge Sentinel (1883); The Dansville Herald (1888); The Chelsea Standard (1897); Ingham County Democrat (1917); Ingham Democrat (1846); and Orion Weekly Review (1905).
High-resolution digitized full page access to the Lansing State Journal from 1911-Present, with a small delay for the most recent issues. Select "Full Text" to see full page images. Resource also includes digitized full page access to some historical newspapers from Battle Creek and Port Huron. Once accessing the resource, select "Publications" at the top to view all publications and coverage periods available.
CADL library card required (this includes Student Success Initiative cards)
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
Family Movie and Craft Night
Friday Apr 18, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm Stockbridge - In LibraryEarth Day PJ Party
Friday Apr 18, 2025 4:30pm - 7:00pm South Lansing - In LibraryBring your comfort items and wear your PJs for a family-friendly earth day activity and movie! Snack...
Get Familiar with Classical Music – Beethoven
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm Holt-Delhi - In LibraryRead the Book, Watch the Movie
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025 4:30pm - 7:30pm Downtown Lansing - In LibraryHave you read the book, but never gotten around to watching the movie? Did you watch the movie and f...
Downtown Monthly Movie: The Power of Soundtracks
Saturday Apr 26, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm Downtown Lansing - In LibraryThis series will feature movies which have interesting soundtracks. From the silent film era to the ...
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