Genealogy Resources

African American Biographical Database
The largest Electronic Collection of Biographical information on African Americans.

This database may be accessed from inside the library or from home by library card holders within the service area.

Heritage Quest Database
Search the census to find ancestors and relatives in the complete set of US Federal Census Records from 1790-1930. Search books to find information on people and places described in over 25,000 family and local histories.

This database may be accessed from inside the library or from home and is brought to you by the Library of Michigan.

Online Obituary Index
Click here to search our own online index of obituaries that have appeared in Saginaw newspapers. While not complete, this index is being updated frequently. This is a very popular tool for genealogists around the world.

World Vital Records
Maintains online databases with over 500 million names and records of family histories. This site also contains FamilyLink, a social network for families looking to connect with one another on their family trees.

This site is only available inside any of our library buildings.

Genealogical Collections

The LHG Collection has special guides to help people determine their ethnic origin. Materials are available for people of African, Asian, Canadian, European, Hispanic, Jewish, Middle Eastern and Native American descent. Click here to access the Collections and Lists page where you can access guides of interest to you. These guides highlight some of the materials available in the LHG collection.

Visit Our Genealogy Department

Would you like to visit our extensive genealogical collection in person? We are located on the second floor of the Hoyt Library. Our staff will be happy to get you started in your genealogy research.

Genealogy Links

Ancestry.com
One of the leading publicly available genealogical research sites, containing over one billion names in over 3,000 databases. While some of the data is free, you must purchase a subscription for complete access to all databases.

Ancestry Library Edition
This site is a special version of Ancestry.com that is only available to patrons at libraries.  It has added features plus free access to information you would normally pay for on the regular Ancestry.com site.

Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites
One of the most popular and useful lists for genealogical research. It contains well over 100,000 genealogy sites.

Ellis Island
The American Family Immigration History Center. Search for family members who entered this country via Ellis Island, the ships they arrived on, the manifests, and more.

FamilySearch
The online version of the world's largest genealogical database; maintained by the Church of Latter Day Saints.

GENDIS Michigan
The Genealogical Death Indexing System provided by the Michigan Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics.

MIGen Web
Part of the USGen Web project, this site contains information on Michigan genealogy, helpful hints, message boards, contact info for Historical and Genealogical Societies around the state, plus links to Michigan county GenWeb pages.

MIGen Web Saginaw County
This site contains genealogical information on churches, schools and cemeteries, plus histories, early maps, military and vital records all specific to Saginaw County.

Online Searchable Death Indexes for the USA
State data, county data, general databases, and links to other widely used genealogy sites are found here.

The Saginaw Genealogical Society
Learn about all the activities and valuable genealogical assistance this society offers for and about the Saginaw community. The society meets regularly in the Hoyt Main Library.

Vital Records Information
Contains information about where to obtain vital records (such as birth, death & marriage certificates and divorce decrees) from each state, territory and county of the United States.