These Library items and helpful Internet sites provide assistance in researching family history. These Internet sites are not connected with the Oak Park Public Library. More assistance in finding reference resources is available at the Information Services Desk on the Third Floor of the Main Library.

Online Tools

Ancestry Library Edition is one of the most important genealogical collections available today with unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom. Ancestry Library Edition is only available for use at the Oak Park Public Library.

HeritageQuest Online combines digital, searchable images of US federal census records with unique material for both genealogical and historical researchers dating back to the late 1700s. Also available for use at the Oak Park Public Library.

Books
Ancestral Trails: The Complete Guide to British Genealogy and Family History by Mark D. Herber
929.1 HER
Outlines basic steps such as drawing family trees, using census records, and searching for birth, marriage, and death certificates.

Family History 101: A Beginner's Guide to Finding Your Ancestors by Marcia D. Yannizze Melnyk
929.1072 MEL
Explains how to use the National Archives (NARA), state libraries and archives, historical and genealogical societies, and all types of records.

The Family Tree Resource Book for Genealogists edited by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
929.1 FAM
Essential guide to American county and town sources. Every state is covered. The county courthouse is the place to find your ancestors.

Finding Your Chicago Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History in the City and Cook County by Grace DuMelle
929.1073 DUM
Trace your Chicago connections like a professional.

The Genealogist's Companion and Sourcebook by Emily Anne Croom
929.1072 CRO
A beyond-the-basics guide to tracing family history. Explains how to research, locate, and use church and funeral home records; government records at federal, state, and local levels; court records; newspapers, and maps.

Genealogy Online: Researching Your Roots by Elizabeth P. Crowe
929.1028 CRO
Directory of genealogy websites, newsgroups, mailing lists, and commercial services.

Locating Your Roots: Discover Your Ancestors Using Land Records by Patricia Law Hatcher
929.1072 HAT
Use deeds, grants, mortgages, wills, and more to find your ancestors.

The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy by Val D. Greenwood
929.1 GRE
The first part provides the foundation of genealogical research. The second part covers records and their use.

The Sleuth Book for Genealogists: Strategies for More Successful Family History Research by Emily Anne Croom
929.1072 CRO
A down-to-earth, fun approach to genealogical research with the help of Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple.

The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy edited by Loretto Dennis Szucs
R9292.1 SOU
Indispensable, broad research guide for the beginners and the advanced.

Unpuzzling Your Past: The Best-Selling Basic Guide to Genealogy by Emily Anne Croom
929.1 CRO
Includes chapters on the meaning of names, family histories, how to gather sources, whom to interview and how to fit it all together.

The Oak Park Public Library has many more genealogy books to help you do your research. Visit Information Services Desk on the Third Floor of the Main Library or call 708-452-3480.

Internet Sites (recommended by Jack Simpson at the Newberry Library)

Family History Library
FamilyTreeMaker
FamilySearch Genealogy Service
A Look At Cook
Stephen P. Morse
VitalChek
Illinois State Archives Databases
Cook County Clerk
Cook County Circuit Court Archives
Find a Grave
Chicago Graveyards
Ellis Island Database
U.S. Genealogy Web Project
RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative
Polish Genealogy Society of America
AfriGeneas
U.S. National Archives
Newberrry Library
Census Data
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet
The Genealogy Home Page

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