About
Local & Family History department is located on the 3rd floor of Main Library. Our research librarians can help you with local history projects, digitalizing photographs, and more.
| Monday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Friday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. ( Labor Day – Memorial Day) |
574.282.4621 local.history@sjcpl.org
Databases
The St. Joe County Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate library!
Research Assistance
The library can assist long distance or homebound patrons with lookups of St. Joseph County items, such as obituaries, marriage licenses, and newspaper articles. There may be a charge for this service.
- Review our St. Joseph County Obituary Index
- Submit a research request: Online form or Printable form
- Book a consultation with a librarian about your local or family history research projects.
Digitization Stations
Preserve your treasured family memories by digitizing home movies, tapes, photographs, and documents. Four stations may be reserved in four-hour blocks. Supported formats include: photos, documents, slides, negatives, 8mm film, VHS, audio cassettes, and vinyl. Digitized items can be saved on flash drives or external hard drives. Call for more information and to make a reservation.
Guides:
Resources
Most of our microfilm collection cannot be found in the library catalog. Please review these documents:
- Microfilmed Records Collection
- Newspaper Collection Index (print and microfilm)
- Newspaper Collection A-M and N-Z
- St. Joseph County Yearbook Collection
- St. Joseph County Church Records
- Newspaper clipping files (print only, full coverage 1920s-1960s, partial coverage 1970s-2000s)
Archival Materials
LFH holds more than just books. Review our complete list of Finding Aids for thematic collections of archival materials and other useful guides and lists for researchers. These items are stored in closed stacks. To use these items while visiting the library, we suggest contacting Local & Family History in advance so the materials are ready to use when you arrive.
Donations
Donations to support our Local & Family History department are welcome and appreciated.
Items we love:
- Local high school yearbooks
- City directories
- Histories of local businesses, organizations or churches
- Other local history items
To donate books by local authors please see Local Author Book Donation
Do you have digitized family histories, diaries, or photographs? Please submit your digital files directly through our Custom Submission Page.
We are happy to accept one copy of your published family history if the family has a local connection. We cannot accept research notes, notebooks, binders and most computer files. Review our Statement of Gift Form.
Storytelling
The Storytelling Librarian weaves the vibrant tales of St. Joe County by making connections between the past and present and inviting the community to engage with its shared history in dynamic and meaningful ways. In helping others understand the richness of history—from the personal to the collective—the Storytelling Librarian unlocks the power of shared experiences to inspire change and build a brighter future. Click below to browse articles written by our Storytelling Librarian.
Your voice matters. Share your experience by filling out our story form, and a member of our team will reach out to connect.
LFH Newsletter
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