Genealogy

Genealogy Help

Genealogy Consultations

9:30am–12:30pm

Adults

Oswego Campus

Library Branch: Oswego Campus

Room: Oswego

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Genealogy

Genealogist Mike Fichtel will offer assistance using the library’s collection and online resources to help conduct genealogical research. Mike will be available the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Closed Early - Thanksgiving Eve

5:00pm–9:00pm

Some Branches

Closing

Branches:

Oswego Campus, Montgomery Campus

Description:

Oswego and Montgomery Campuses are closing early for Thanksgiving Eve.

Thanksgiving Day

All Day

Some Branches

Closing

Branches:

Oswego Campus, Montgomery Campus

Description:

Oswego and Montgomery Campuses are closed for Thanksgiving.

Oswego Campus Closing Early

2:00pm–5:00pm

Oswego Campus

Closing

Branches:

Oswego Campus

Description:

The Oswego Campus will close at 2:00 pm for the Oswego Christmas Walk. The Montgomery Campus will remain open for regular hours, closing at 5:00 pm.

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Genealogy Collection

The Genealogy and Local History collection is housed at the Oswego Campus and offers a rich array of resources, including genealogy books, family histories, yearbooks, periodicals from national and Illinois genealogical societies, local interest materials, maps, newspapers, databases, and more.

Microfilm

Explore local history through newspapers on microfilm, including The Kendall County Record (1864–2015), Oswego Ledger (1951–2014), Fox Valley Sentinel (1974–1980), Prairie Times (2007–2008), and Kendall County News (1881–1974). Our microfilm machine is located at the Oswego Campus.

Yearbooks

Explore a collection of yearbooks at the Oswego Campus, featuring Oswego High School, Oswego East High School, and a selection of junior high and elementary school yearbooks, with the earliest dating back to 1938.

Genealogy Resources

Heritage Quest

This genealogy resource offers U.S. federal census records from 1790 to 1940, Revolutionary War pension files, Freedman’s Bank records, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI™), and more.

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American Ancestors

Explore this genealogy research tool from the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Available for use at the library only.

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Ancestry Plus Library Edition

Explore this comprehensive online source for genealogical and local history research. Available for use at the library only.

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FamilySearch

Search historical and genealogical records from around the world. As a FamilySearch affiliate library, Oswego Public Library District provides access to additional records only available at affiliate libraries and FamilySearch Centers.

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Newspapers

Access Business News

Access full-text content from 350+ business and law journals, regional news, and industry sources across North America, covering markets, companies, executives, and products for all your business needs.

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Access NewspaperARCHIVE

Access the largest historical newspaper database, featuring tens of millions of pages spanning from 1607 to today.

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Access World News Research Collection

Stay informed on local, national, and global topics with credible news sources covering business, health, education, politics, and more. Includes trusted publications like the Beacon-News, Chicago Sun-Times, USA Today, and others.

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Beacon-News Collection

Explore over 20 years of Aurora area history with the Beacon-News Collection, featuring full-text articles, web-only content, and full-color image editions from 1997 to today.

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Chicago Community Collection

Search Chicago Metro news sources in the library or remotely with your library card. Mobile-friendly interface includes citation tools, sharing options, and full-text article access.

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Chicago Daily News Historical Archive

Explore over 100 years of Chicago history with the Chicago Daily News Historical Archive, featuring full newspaper pages and primary source content from 1875 to 1978.

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