MHAL - Ask a Librarian - Family History Questions

The Library of Michigan helps many people find family history information. Your question may be answered on one of these Web pages:

Library staff will answer brief, factual questions about the Library of Michigan's collections. An example of this is, "Does the Library own a Detroit city directory for 1857?"

A Library volunteer is willing to provide two obituary or city directory lookups per person when an exact citation is given. For a city directory lookup, please include the city and year. A citation for an obituary lookup should include the full name of the deceased, the date and place of death, the place of residence if different from the place of death and the title of the newspaper. Another option for newspaper lookups is to ask at your local library about requesting materials through interlibrary loan. Michigan libraries may borrow microfilm for the newspaper you wish to search. Out-of-state libraries may request copies of articles for you if you provide a complete citation as outlined above. Please note, other types of lookups, such as vital records searches, are not offered.

If you have a more in-depth question or lengthy research, such as what information is available about your family's history, please visit the Library of Michigan, visit your local library or consult the Michigan Genealogy Research Network, a list of researchers affiliated with local genealogical societies who will do research for a fee. The Library of Michigan is unable to assume responsibility for the researchers' work.

The Library's goal is to reply within two business days. If you need a quicker response, please call the Library at (517) 373-1300 during Library hours.

For e-mail questions, please fill out the following form or e-mail librarian@michigan.gov. All information provided is kept strictly confidential.

A complete and correct e-mail address is required for Library staff to be able to respond to your question.

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