Written by Jessie Ludwig, Library Customer Specialist, 2 South
October is National Family History Month in the United States. First celebrated in 2001, the month encourages people to explore their family’s heritage and history.
The Library is one of the best ways to explore your family roots, with resources for all levels of genealogy experience. In fact, the libraries resources have helped me discover more about my own family history! Using our Ancestry Database and local history books, I learned that my Great Grandfather John Ludwig helped to maintain the land that would become 5 Way Park in Delhi Township in the early 1900s. Apparently, though, he hated farming! Census records show his rejection of the family trade, noting that he was the groundskeeper for local cemeteries and the town constable for 32 years.
From Ancestry and Heritage Quest to Cincinnati City Directories and German Ship Records, the Library offers a wide range of digital and print resources for family research both local and abroad. In addition to research materials, Library staff regularly hold free genealogy trainings and classes.
Start Your Family History Journey Here
Trying to find the exact death date of a relative? Are there rumors in your family about the misdeeds of a relative from long, long ago that might have been covered in the local papers? On Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m., join the Library for an interactive one-hour session at the Mariemont Branch Library on how our magazine and newspaper databases can help expand your genealogical research.
We’ll provide some example searches for you to actively learn the best tips and tricks to explore the human-interest side of your heritage.
Other upcoming events include:
On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Genealogy and Local History Department will host a day with the experts. Meet with representatives from genealogical and historical societies, local and national lineage societies, and public record offices from Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky to learn about their resources, membership requirements, and how they can help find what you're looking for. Library staff will also lead in-depth tours of the department at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Having trouble pinpointing the exact date and place of birth of your great-great grandmother? Trying to find where an ancestor was buried? On Oct. 14, join us for an introductory, interactive one-hour session on how to get started on your family tree with Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest, both of which are free with your library card. Library staff will provide some example searches for you to actively learn how to trace your heritage.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, join fellow researchers for an after-hours Genealogy Lock-In at the Downtown Main Library. Enjoy having the Genealogy and Local History area all to yourself, along with other genealogists and Library staff.
Special note: The event happens after the library closes to the general public. If you are at the library earlier that day, you will be asked to exit at 6 p.m. Genealogy Lock-In registrants may enter between 6:30 and 7 p.m. only, via the Main Door on Vine Street. Once the lock-in begins, you may leave at any time or stay until 11:30 p.m. Once you leave the lock-in, you cannot re-enter.
On Saturday, Nov. 14 join reference librarians for an introduction to the Library's genealogy resources and databases that can help you explore your family history. In addition to resources, you can get a tour of the Downtown Main Library’s second floor in the South Building, which houses all our genealogy and local history resources.
Research Resources
In addition to classes and events, the Library offers all kinds of digital and physical resources for researching family histories, including:
- Ancestry Library Edition
- Heritage Quest
- Find My Past
- Family Search
- Fold3
- Cincinnati Enquirer Digital Archive
- Cincinnati Post Digital Archive
- CHPL Digital Library
- Cincinnati City Directories
- Hamilton County Genealogy Society Indexes
- Local Yearbooks
- Family History Books
More genealogy resources can be found on the library's website at chpl.org/genealogy-history/ or by reaching out to Research@chpl.org.
Jessie Ludwig is currently reading Authority by Jeff Vandermeer.
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