Ready to discover your family's past? If you're interested in researching your own family history, there are many online resources to help you begin your search (and many of them are free).
Want to connect with other genealogists? Check out the library's Genealogy Connect program, which meets bi-monthly at the library and online via Zoom. See upcoming programs and register on our Programs page.
Essentials
These databases and websites include a wealth of vital records.
Ancestry Library Edition – Search billions of census, vital, military and immigration records and more (in library use only, Canton Public Library card required).
Cyndi's List – An extensive list of all things genealogy.
FamilySearch – The genealogy site of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints offers records as well as research.
Find a Grave – This site features millions of uploaded pictures of graves across the United States.
MyHeritage Library Edition – A great place to start your research for vital records. A Canton Public Library card is required to use this service or visit MeL.org to access this resource outside of the library.
Immigration
Castle Garden Records – Records from 1820-1891.
Ellis Island Records – Records from 1892-1924.
Maps & Land
Bureau of Land Management – Was your relative a homesteader? Find out here.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps – Historic fire insurance maps.
Newspapers
Canton Observer (1974-2022) – Brought to you by the Canton Public Library.
Chronicling America – Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1777-1963.
Digital Michigan Newspaper Portal – Includes a number of digitized historical newspapers throughout the state of Michigan.
Michigan Genealogy
Archives of Michigan – Located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center, the Archives preserves the records of Michigan government.
Library of Michigan – The Library of Michigan is home to a great diversity of local history materials, including city and county histories, newspaper clippings, vital records, cemetery transcripts and plat maps.
Michiganology – The online platform of the Archives of Michigan includes research guides and indexes, as well as access to more than three million state and local government records and private manuscripts, maps and photographs.
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