Genealogy & History
Learn more about the past and discover your roots!
Library Collections
Hinesville Genealogy Room This link opens in a new window
Located in Hinesville Library, this collection includes local history and genealogy materials.
Kaye Kole Genealogy & Local History Room (Georgia Room) This link opens in a new window
Located in Bull Street Library, this collection has non-circulating material on genealogy and local history.
To schedule an appointment for the Genealogy Room (M-F, 10 am – 6 pm), choose one of the following options:
Email: genealogystaff@liveoakpl.org
Call: 912-652-3697
ONLINE RESOURCES
African American Newspapers This link opens in a new window
More than 350 U.S. newspapers chronicling the African-American experience from 1827 to 1998.
Click here for video tutorials.Ancestry Library Edition This link opens in a new window
Trace your roots with Ancestry.com and search billions of records to discover your family’s story!
Free access available in the Library.
Click here for video tutorials.
Census Substitutes & State Census Records This link opens in a new window
Locate resources for hard-to-find information to assist with genealogical and historical research.
Free access is available for in-library use only.
Digital Library of Georgia This link opens in a new window
Key information and resources on Georgia history, culture, and life.
Access does not require a library account.Georgia Historic Newspapers This link opens in a new window
Over one million digitized newspaper pages dating between 1786 and 1986.
Access does not require a library account.MyHeritage This link opens in a new window
Essential collection of historical sources for researching your family history.
New Georgia Encyclopedia This link opens in a new window
Authoritative resource on topics and facts relating to the state.
Access does not require a library account.Savannah Morning News Obituaries Index This link opens in a new window
Index of obituaries in the Savannah Morning News from 1913 to 1926 and 1987 to 1996.
Information is for reference only.
The Savannah Tribune (1943-1960) This link opens in a new window
Digitized issues from October 1943 to September 1960, including the developing Civil Rights Movement.
Access does not require a library account.Slavery in America and the World: History, Culture & Law This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive database with legal materials on slavery in the United States and the English-speaking world.
MORE RESOURCES
Genealogy Resources This link opens in a new window
Find more genealogy resources online.
History Resources This link opens in a new window
Find more history resources online.
Hyman Wallace Witcover: Designer of Savannah’s Architectural Jewels This link opens in a new window
Digital exhibit of Witcover’s contributions to the historic fabric of Savannah.
x Links: Genealogy & History This link opens in a new window
Click more to view links to genealogy & history websites that do not require a library card.- Devoted to African American genealogy.
- Provides African-American genealogy and history resources.
- Quick reference to databases online.
- Free access to research on pre-Ellis Island immigrants 1830 – 1892.
Cemeteries-City of Savannah Burial Records
- For Bonaventure, Colonial Park, Greenwich, and Laurel Grove.
Census Records from the National Archives
- Includes schedules 1790 – 1940.
Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System
- Millions of records for both Confederate and Union soldiers.
- Comprehensive list of links to genealogical research sites.
- Directory of links to death records.
Ellis Island Port of New York Passenger Records
- Info on people (
- ) arriving 1882 – 1924.
- Billions of family history, ancestry, genealogy, and census records.
- Contains records for over 170 million memorials.
- Links to online forums devoted to genealogy.
Geographic Names Information System
- (GNIS)
- Contains info about features in the US and other areas.
- (GHS)
- The premier independent statewide institution for Georgia history.
- Provides access to historical documents and records 1733 – present.
- Includes wills and finding aids; has separate pages for individual Georgia counties.
Lane Library Digital Collection
- Contains biographies and historical photographs Savannah.
- Resource for African American genealogy and history in GA, FL and SC.
- Cornell University’s primary sources in American social history.
National Archives Genealogy/Personal History Databases
- Military records and passenger lists.
- Serves the southeast with extensive archival holdings.
- Digital Collections living historical database.
- The world’s largest online genealogy community.
South Carolina Obituaries and Death Notices
- Online blog that allows you to search records.
- Includes Greenville, Laurens, Pendelton/Anderson & Pickens Counties.
- African Americans in early records of Liberty County, GA, both enslaved and free.
- From the US Department of Interior.
- Educates people about the art, history and culture of African Americans.
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database
- Comprises expeditions from 1514 to 1866.
- Provides free online genealogy help and information.
- Documents Savannah’s Civil Rights movement and African American history.