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Gen

Genealogy


Online Resources

You will need your Rolling Meadows Library card to access many of our online resources if you are not using them in the Library. Need help? Stop by or call the Reference Desk at 847-259-6050 x130.

See every online resource the Library has to offer on the A–Z Online Resources page.


Use from home = Use from home

Library Card Required = Library card required

Popular = Popular

Staff Favorite = Staff Favorite


Ancestry Library Edition

Popular  View records from the United States Census; military records; court, land and probate records; vital and church records; directories; passenger lists and more! In Library use only.

In Library External LinkNeed Help External Link

Chicago Tribune Historical

Use from home Library Card Required  Search this database for past articles from 1849-1997. Full-text obituaries and death notices from 1860-1984. Major stories of events and issues from 1920-1984.

From Home External LinkIn Library External Link

Daily Herald Collection

Use from home Library Card Required  Explore Rolling Meadows area history through local news, events and people. Search current and archived issues from 1995 to current with full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online.

Go Now External LinkNeed Help PDF file

Heritage Hub

Use from home Library Card Required  Explore genealogical records from 1704 – today, including hard-to-find obituary content from the mid 1900's, coverage from all 50 states, and original obituary images from historical newspapers

Go Now External LinkTutorial External Video LinkNeed Help External Link

Heritage Quest

Use from home Library Card Required  Provides genealogy articles and records, including census records dating back to 1790.

Go Now External LinkNeed Help External Link

Illinois Public Record

Use from home Library Card Required  Database of public records including real estate transfers, new businesses, bankruptcies, and foreclosures.

From Home External LinkIn Library External Link

Medline Plus

Use from home Library Card Required  An introduction to fundamental topics related to human genetics, including illustrations from the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health.

Go Now External Link

Catalog Spotlight

To browse books on genealogy and family trees in the library, ask for help at the Adult Reference Desk.

Unofficial guide to Ancestry.com : how to find your family history on the #1 genealogy website
Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques Genealogy Online For Dummies

Digital Magazines

Find magazines in the library in Adult Reference. Or search the online catalog External Link to browse and place holds on magazines.

Digital Library of IL Magazines

Family Tree
The Essential Guide to Family History Family Tree UK

Educational & How-To Videos

Find more online training, videos and tutorials on the online learning page.

Finding Your Roots on Hoopla

Finding Your Roots - Season 1
Ken Burns Presents The Gene: An Intimate History - Season 1 It's Not All In Our Genes

The Great Courses

Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy
Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature Unlocking the Hidden History of DNA

Website Links

Chicago Genealogical Society External Link
Find suggestions for tracing your Chicago family history, as well as a summary of their holdings.

Cook County Genealogy Request PDF File
You can request Genealogical records from Cook County by mail or in person. For more information check their FAQs Page External Link.

Find a Grave External Link
Online searchable cemetery and memorial records.

Illinois State Archives External Link
Online statewide records. Collections include birth, marrage, death records and more.

Illinois State Genealogical Society External Link
Educational organization dedicated to preserving family and local history.

Illinois Vital Records External Link
General information and application forms for obtaining copies of Illinois birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.

National Archives External Link
U.S. government documents including census, military service, immigration records and more. Also find articles, finding aids, webinars, and other information about their records.

National Genealogical Society External Link
Learning center for beginner and advanced genealogists, a connection to the national genealogy community, and monthly blog.

Polish Genealogical Society of America External Link
Information on Polish and Polish-American family history.

Ellis Island Passenger Search External Link
Search 65 million records of passengers arriving to the Port of New York from 1820 to 1957.

US GenWeb Project External Link
A volunteer-based resource. Special projects include the transcriptions of census records, cemetery listings and other materials.

Past Virtual Events

Watch all recorded events on the RML YouTube Channel External Link

The Mayflower
Jenny Warner, Genealogy and History Speaker, will discuss the Mayflower, her voyage and the 102 passengers that made this incredible journey.

Watch Now External YouTube Video Link


The Codebreaker and the POW: A Family Legacy of WWII
Learn of the heroic work of codebreakers and the struggle to liberate the Philippine Islands.

Watch Now External YouTube Video Link


Daughters of the Occupation
Inspired by events in WWII Latvia, it is an emotionally charged novel of sacrifice, trauma and survival, witnessed by three generations of women.

Watch Now External YouTube Video Link


Upcoming Events

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