GENEALOGY RESOURCES
Databases
Unlock the story of you with sources like censuses, vital records, immigration records, family histories, military records, court and legal documents, directories, photos, maps, and more.
Ancestry Library can only be used inside the libraries. Click the link on the desktop on any public computer.
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information and potentially unknown family members. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid 1900’s, and original obituary images. Access is available 24/7.
You can access HeritageHub by clicking here and entering your card number.
Local Historical Societies
Hancock County Historical Society
Hancock County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of Hancock County. HCHS offers vital records, information on local structures, and a large photo gallery.
Historical Society of Gulfport
The Historical Society of Gulfport collects and preserves Gulfport history for public access and works to promote a respect for history among individuals and groups in the community. HSG established and maintains the Gulfport Museum of History at the Union Station Depot in Downtown Gulfport. Their website provides articles and photographs of local history.
Pass Christian Historical Society
The Pass Christian Historical Society preserves and promotes the history of Pass Christian through curating archives and exhibitions, programs, and events. Their website provides digital access to limited collections, newsletters, and articles.
Mississippi Historical Resources
Mississippi Department of Archives & History
MDAH is the state archives, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing access to the historical resources of the State of Mississippi. MDAH has resources for historical research, including many digitized, online collections. They also provide historical programs and learning opportunities, and have curated guides for genealogical research.
Mississippi Historical Society
The Mississippi Historical Society has taken an active role in the preservation of Mississippi history and the publication of journals, books, and other materials on Mississippi history. Their site provides bibliographies of local historical publications, online access to journals, and resources for historical research.
Online publication launched by the Mississippi Historical Society in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Archives & History and the Mississippi Humanities Council to encourage interest in Mississippi history and provide articles, primary resources, and lesson plans for teaching the rich and complex history of the State of Mississippi. The site can be searched by topic, time period and keyword.
Society of Mississippi Archivists
The Society of Mississippi Archivists celebrates the important work of preserving the cultural heritage of Mississippi. Their website provides the latest information regarding meetings, events, speakers, consultants, and scholarship. Resources include The Primary Source scholarly journal, primary source resources for historical research, and recordings of Virtual Table Talks.
Open Access Resources
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers
Searchable database of historic newspaper pages from 1777-1963 and U.S. Newspaper Directory provided through a joint project by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress. Browse by state for American newspapers published from 1690 to the present day, with information about physical holdings and select issues and pages with digitized images. This ongoing project continues to provide resources for the digitization of historic newspapers.
The National Archives provides information on the various records maintained and preserved, including online, digital records and databases. The searchable catalog is provides description and some digital access and the website has significant learning resources and guides to the various resources available for genealogical research.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from Library of Congress
This online collection provides a searchable database of historic fire insurance maps by state, providing significant information on historical places and buildings. This resource also provide street indexes, information about fire-safety infrastructure, and water distribution systems.
