Genealogy
The web provides a number of genealogical resources. Even though the Los Angeles City Historical Society is not focused on genealogy, we do receive many questions from the public. To assist, here are some links to genealogy resources.
START HERE - Los Angeles & Southern California
Los Angeles Public Library Genealogy Department
www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-guides/genealogy
Containing over 150,000 titles, the Genealogy department at LAPL contains census records, city directories, family histories, immigration records, military records, newspapers, obituaries, and vital records.
Southern California Genealogical Society
For information related to Southern California, we recommend starting with the Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library.
Early California Population Project
www.huntington.org/Information/ECPPmain.htm
Provides information contained in California's historic mission registers and records, including baptism, marriage, and burial records. This site is maintained by the Huntington Library. Be sure to read the "Search Tips" section.
Online California Death Records and Indexes
www.deathindexes.com/california
A genealogy guide for finding obituaries, cemetery burials and death records. Includes a special section for Los Angeles.
Where to Write for California Vital Records
www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/california.htm
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to request birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
USGenWeb: Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County section of the USGenWeb site. Contains biographies, lists of cemeteries, biographical resources, census reports, and more.
gENEALOGY BY aRYN
Genealogy By Aryn www.genealogybyaryn.com
Aryn Youngless is a Board Member of the Los Angeles City Historical Society and a local genealogist who specializes in family history research, obtaining vital records and naturalization documents for dual citizenship applications, and more.
National Databases & Archives
FamilySearch (Free) www.familysearch.org
A free genealogy service provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of the largest genealogy databases in the world.
Ancestry.com (Subscription) www.ancestry.com
The leading subscription-based genealogy research website. The majority of records are from the United States, with some available free and the rest behind a paid subscription.
National Archives — Resources for Genealogists www.archives.gov/research/genealogy
Learn how to use National Archives resources for genealogical research, including census data, immigration reports, and land records. Also features NARA workshops and online research tools.
Ellis Island — Statue of Liberty Foundation www.libertyellisfoundation.org
About half of all U.S. citizens are believed to have descended from immigrants who passed through Ellis Island. Search passenger records and immigration histories here.
The Ultimate Guide to Military Records for Genealogy www.genealogyexplained.com/research/military-records
Military records can reveal a wealth of information not found elsewhere. This beginner's guide covers American wars from the Revolutionary War through WWII.
Cyndi's List www.cyndislist.com
A trusted genealogy research hub with links to over 300,000 online resources, updated regularly. Start with their California page for locally relevant results.
Beginners & Families
EverPresent — A Guide to Genealogy & Family History Research everpresent.com/a-guide-to-genealogy-and-family-history-research
A beginner-friendly guide to getting started with family history research, including tips like "starting with yourself and your immediate family."
Genealogy for Kids: Building a Family Tree www.aaastateofplay.com/genealogy-for-kids-building-a-family-tree
A family-friendly introduction to genealogy, covering questions like "What does it mean when a cousin is 'once removed'?" Perfect for exploring family history with children.
