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Genealogy & Local History

Interested in discovering more about your family history? 

Our local history librarians are happy to help you find more information using subscription databases and print materials from our Bissell Local History collection.

  • Submit a genealogy or newspaper lookup request using the Local History Request Form. 
  • You may submit up to two request forms per month.
  • We are unable to take on extensive research requests, including requests for "all" information about a certain person, family, or event. We are happy to do simple look-ups such as birth records, cemetery information, census records, death records/certificates and obituaries, immigration and naturalization records, marriage records, and military records.
  • We are unable to assist with DNA research or in finding living relatives. 
  • We will attempt to fulfill your request as soon as possible; if a request requires more than a week, you will be notified.
  • If your request goes beyond the scope of our service, we recommend the following resources that may provide help. You may also want to hire a local researcher. 
  • Please note that printing and mailing fees apply for physical copies of research. 

If you would rather schedule a One-on-One coach to learn genealogy basics, use the One-on-One Coaching Request Form.  

Genealogy Resources

  • African American Heritage Explore African American roots with essential historical records or browse through reference materials and books to learn how to search specific African American Heritage collections.
  • Ancestry Library Edition Ancestry Library Edition provides easy access to more than 4,000 genealogy databases with a single search. Coverage focuses primarily on the United States and the United Kingdom, although other areas are covered. Databases include the complete U.S. Census & Index (1790-1950), vital, church, court, and immigration records. In-library use only.
  • FamilySearch View many databases of records from around the world. This website is a project of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Fold3 Library Edition Access military records to help you put together the stories of your ancestors.
  • HeritageQuest Online Find information on your ancestors in U.S. census records from 1790-1950, 28,000 family and local histories, 2 million genealogy and local history articles, Revolutionary War Era Pension & Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, U.S. Freedman's Bank Record (1861-1875), and more.
  • National Archives Find more FREE online genealogy resources.
  • RootsWeb The Internet's oldest and largest FREE genealogical community. 
  • Soldiers & Sailors Database containing information on those who served in the Civil War.

Twinsburg Local History

The Bissell Local History Room inside Twinsburg Public Library contains library history, the rare books collection, historic newspapers, Twinsburg obituaries in a necrology file, and old school yearbooks. Librarians can look up information for out-of-area residents.

Northeast Ohio Local History