Profile of the Collection

The Local History and Genealogy Collection (LHG) was created as a central repository and library of Saginaw local history in 1960, and has become one of the premier local historical and genealogical collections in the midwest. It serves students and specialists equally well with an array of materials in the fields of genealogy, Saginaw history and the history of Michigan. The Collection features many unique and valuable resources on the history of Saginaw, the Saginaw Valley and the people and families who settled the region. This includes original source materials as well as diaries, scrapbooks, business ledgers and photographs as well as over 18,000 books, microforms and periodicals. The Collection also includes extensive genealogical resources for those researching their family history. Click here for a Local History and Genealogy Collection Guide to Materials and Services Located in the Hoyt Library.

Ethnic Resource Guides

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 on the links below to view the guide of interest to you. More guides will be made available soon. These guides highlight some of the materials available in the LHG collection. Call or visit the library to see our extensive collection.

• African American Guide
• Getting Started in Genealogy
• German Guide
• Hispanic Guide
• Jewish Guide
• Native American Guide

Local History & Genealogy Collection Guidelines

The LHG Collection is available to the public during the hours that the Hoyt Public Library is open. Inquiries are accepted by telephone, email, in person, or in writing. Staff will not be able to conduct extensive genealogical or historical research on behalf of library users. The library staff can make referrals to local professional researchers, if needed.

All materials in the LHG Collection are restricted to library use only. They may not be borrowed, nor are they available for interlibrary loan. Most materials may be photocopied, but due to the fragile nature of some materials, permission is given on a case-by-case basis.

Family History Research Information

If you are beginning to research your family tree, our knowledgeable staff will give you expert advice to get you started. The more experienced genealogist will find an extensive array of resources. Our Collection focuses on Saginaw County and Michigan records and those areas from which most of Michigan's early settlers came. This includes the New England states, the Great Lakes states, the eastern Canadian provinces and some southern states.