Genealogy
News and Events
- The library offers several genealogy classes throughout the year.
- Sign up for the monthly genealogy newsletter to stay informed about genealogy news, services, and programs.
Genealogy Databases
Ancestry Library
![Ancestry Library logo](/sites/default/files/styles/db_image_style/public/2021-07/ancestry-library.png?itok=lJyOkblk)
Access over a billion names in hundreds of databases, including U.S. Census records (1790-1930); military records; court, land and probate records; vital and church records; directories and passenger lists.
Chicago Tribune - Historical (1849-1997)
![Chicago Tribune logo](/sites/default/files/styles/db_image_style/public/2021-07/chicago-tribune.jpeg?itok=SZu_ExEN)
This historical newspaper provides genealogists, researchers and scholars with online, easily searchable first-hand accounts and unparalleled coverage of the politics, society and events of the time.
FamilySearch.org
![FamilySearch.org logo](/sites/default/files/styles/db_image_style/public/2021-07/Family-search.png?itok=0hingooJ)
Genealogical records from one of the largest genealogy organizations in the country. Creation of a free personal account is required. The Ela Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate. Some content is only available inside the library.
Fold3
![Fold3 by Ancestry](/sites/default/files/styles/db_image_style/public/2021-08/logo-lg.png?itok=Q-f5LfEY)
Provides convenient access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. Offers a wealth of searchable original documents for genealogists.
Heritage Quest
![Heritage Quest logo](/sites/default/files/styles/db_image_style/public/2021-07/HeritageQuest-01.png?itok=jN4FgV9P)
Access family and history books, the U.S. Federal Census (1790-1930), PERSI (The Periodical Source Index), Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, Freedman's Bank Records, and more.
Newspapers.com Library Edition
![Newspapers.com Library Edition logo button](/sites/default/files/styles/db_image_style/public/2021-07/np.jpeg?itok=Q_jbK6Pc)
Historical newspaper archive from the 1700s onward, containing thousands of well-known regional, state and small local newspapers in the U.S. and other countries.
Genealogy Resources
- Ela Genealogy Programs
- ConferenceKeeper
- FamilySearch Learning Center (see list of current classes)
- Gale Courses: Genealogy Basics (Ela Library cardholders only)
- RootsTech Library
FamilySearch Centers are branches of the Family History Library, a nonprofit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can visit a FamilySearch Center to receive free personalized help from local volunteers, search genealogy databases, and get special access to FamilySearch records.
Find a FamilySearch Center near you.