Find the best ancestry research libraries and societies in the U.S. West North Central states.
For many historians/genealogists, genealogical and historical societies and university and state libraries are a vast reservoir of information, tools, and experts that will enhance and magnify your research by leaps and bounds. This article will share a comprehensive listing of these resources for the U.S. West North Central states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
See the companion article entitled: “Effectively Trace Ancestors in Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies.” Learn how to effectively use local, county, state historical societies and libraries to trace, find, and write narratives about ancestors.
Table of Contents
Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- Interwoven Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- Iowa Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- Kansas Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- Minnesota Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- Missouri Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- Nebraska Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- North Dakota Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
- South Dakota Research Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Where can I find lists of genealogical libraries and societies in other states?
The following matrix is a listing of each state. Click on the state and you will be taken to the article that contains the listing of genealogical and historical libraries, societies, and archives for that state.
What does each state’s listing of genealogical libraries and societies include?
As this article was being researched, it became apparent that lists and links to genealogy and historical societies, libraries, and archives are scattered throughout the web. None of the resources are complete, yet all must be reviewed to ensure you have not overlooked a possible source. For each state, I will provide the resources for the following categories:
- Statewide Resources
- University Archives and Collections
- Public Library and Community Resources and Archives
- Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives
- Finding State Digital Resources and Collections
- Digital Library Collections
- Historical and Genealogical Society Online Web Pages
While I have sought to provide you with a detailed compilation, I know I have missed some resources. If you don’t find what you’re seeking, I suggest you contact the library or society nearest your place of interest and see if they can help you locate resources that may not be online but can be contacted via other means.
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Interwoven Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
I would like to share a personal experience. Over many generations, the history of a family lies buried in different sources and places. Like a good detective, the historian and genealogist must search for the pieces of a family’s past in those many sources such as books, documents, and manuscripts. You need to be patient and imaginative, for the search can take years and involve a string of clues that lead to new sources. The facts–names, dates, events–that a historian/genealogist gathers through the years are like pieces of a puzzle. Gradually those pieces can be fitted together to make a picture of a family, its many members, and its unique history. I would like to share a personal experience.
As a researcher and storyteller, I have focused much research on online microfilm records and the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Naively, I thought I had reached most of the available resources that pertained to my family. Then my perception changed with a trip to the roots of my family— Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and. Virginia. What started to be a 10-day trip ended up being a month-long discovery of who I am, where I came from and Whose I am.
Before my trip, I thought I had done extensive preparation through online searching at the Library of Virginia, spoken with and made arrangements to visit a few county historical societies, and identified where my family lived. I searched my records to see my information and collaborated with fellow family genealogists.
By the end of my trip, I had traveled 2,500 miles, taken 24,000 digital images, identified 150,000 plus ancestors from direct and collateral lines; visited and researched university archives and special collections; public and regional libraries; state, regional, and local historical, and ethnic societies; and state, county, and local government agencies. I had also spoken and counseled extensively with subject matter experts, walked my family’s land, visited the graves and cemeteries of my family, never found before known records, and met cousins both of Anglo- and African-American descent.
This experience came about because of interwoven historical and genealogical resources dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts and documents. They included:
- Colleges and universities archives and special collections
- Corporate archives
- Federal, state, and local government
- State, county, local, and ethnic historical societies
- Regional and community public libraries
If I learned one thing, it was a combination of all the resources to effectively help me learn and tell the story of my ancestors. I found that each organization had information shared by more than one organization; furthermore, I found each had unique and precious elements of my past. Finally and probably most importantly, I found a deep appreciation for the resources of individuals who freely gave of their time, expertise, and donations to acquire collections and make them available. I was also grateful to institutions and organizations for their dreams and vision to coordinate, collect, preserve, and manage history.
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Iowa Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best Iowa local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (3)
- Iowa Genealogical Society
- State Historical Society of Iowa
- State Library of Iowa
University Archives and Collections (8)
- Iowa State University
- St. Ambrose University
- University of Iowa. Iowa Women’s Archives
- University of Iowa. John Martin Rare Book Room /
- University of Iowa. Law Library
- University of Iowa. Music Library
- University of Iowa. Special Collections
- University of Northern Iowa
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (6)
- Ames–Ames Public Library
- Burlington–Burlington Public Library (IA)
- Corydon–Karl Miles Lecompte Memorial Library-Sloane Special Collections Center
- Davenport–Davenport Public Library
- Waterloo–Waterloo Public Library
Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives (1)
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- Databases for Iowans
This site provides access to the electronic databases OCLC FirstSearch, a web-based information system for searching online databases, and EBSCOhost, which includes full text magazines, newspapers, and reference tools.
Digital Library Collections (3)
- University of Iowa Libraries, Scholarly Digital Resources Center
- Iowa Heritage Digital Collections
- Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Kansas Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best Kansas local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (3)
- Kansas Genealogical Society
- Kansas State Historical Society State Archives
- Kansas State Library
University Archives and Collections (10)
- Baker University
- Emporia State University
- Fort Hays State University. Archives/Special Collections
- Fort Hays State University. Center for Ethnic Studies
- Friends University
- Kansas State University. Special Collections
- University of Kansas. Dole Institute
- University of Kansas. Spencer Research Library
- Washburn University
- Wichita State University
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (3)
- Kansas City–Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
- Wichita–Wichita Public Library
- Wichita–Midwest Historical and Genealogical Society Library
Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives (1)
- Midwest Historical and Genealogical Library
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- State Library of Kansas KANFIND – Online Database Service
This site provides access to several online databases, which provide full-text articles on business, medical and research topics, as well as material for elementary and middle-school students.
Digital Library Collections (5)
- Kansas Digital Library
- University of Kansas, CARRIE: A Full-Text Electronic Library
- Western Trail
- Carrie Electronic Library
- Digital Resources & Exhibitions
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Minnesota Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best Minnesota local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (5)
- Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning – Library Development and Services
- Minnesota Genealogical Society
- Minnesota Historical Society
- Minnesota North Star
- Minnesota State Archives
University Archives and Collections (23)
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Minnesota State University, Moorhead
- Saint John’s University
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- St. Cloud State University
- St. Olaf College
- Duluth: http://www.d.umn.edu/lib/collections/home.html
- University of Minnesota, Anderson Library, Immigration History Research Center
- University of Minnesota. Andersen Horticultural Library
- University of Minnesota. Charles Babbage Institute
- University of Minnesota. Children’s Literature Research Collection
- University of Minnesota. Immigration History Research Center
- University of Minnesota. James Ford Bell Library
- University of Minnesota. Manuscripts Division
- University of Minnesota. Social Welfare History Archives
- University of Minnesota. Special Collections and Rare Books
- University of Minnesota. University Archives
- University of Minnesota, Wilson Library
- University of Minnesota. Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
- University of Minnesota. Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine
- University of Minnesota. YMCA Archives
- University of St. Thomas
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (4)
- Minneapolis–Minnesota Genealogical Society Library
- Northfield–Minnesota Historical Society
- Minneapolis–Minneapolis Public Library
- Plum Creek–Plum Creek Library System
Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives (9)
- American Swedish Institute
- Bakken Library and Museum
- Baptist General Conference History Center
- Goodhue County Historical Society
- Hill Monastic Manuscript Library
- Iron Range Research Center
- James J. Hill Reference Library
- Le Sueur County Historical Society
- Stevens County Museum & Historical Society
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- WEB PALS – Minnesota’s Statewide Project for Automated Library Systems
This site provides Internet access to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Statewide Automated Library System (MnSCU/PALS). Patrons can search the online catalog, reference files, and indexes.
Digital Library Collections (4)
- Minnesota Digital Library Coalition, Minnesota Digital Library Project
- University of Minnesota, Electronic Text Research Center-Digital Collections by Subject
- University of Minnesota Libraries (Twin Cities), Digital Collections and Services
- Lumina: Digital Library Gateway
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Missouri Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best Missouri local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (5)
- Missouri Historical Society
- Missouri State Archives
- Missouri State Genealogical Association
- Missouri State Library
- State Historical Society of Missouri
University Archives and Collections (22)
- Avila University
- Central Methodist University
- Drury University
- Jackson County Historical Society
- Maryville University
- Missouri Southern State University
- Missouri State University
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Saint Louis University. Saint Louis Room
- Saint Louis University. Vatican Film Library
- Truman State University
- University of Missouri, Columbia. Archives
- University of Missouri, Columbia. Museum of Anthropology
- University of Missouri, Columbia. Special Collections
- University of Missouri, Columbia. Western Historical Manuscript Collection
- University of Missouri, Kansas City. Archives
- University of Missouri, Kansas City. Special Collections:
- University of Missouri, Kansas City. Western Historical Manuscript Collection
- University of Missouri, Rolla. Western Historical Manuscript Collection
- University of Missouri, St. Louis. University Archives
- University of Missouri, St. Louis. Western Historical Manuscript Collection
- Washington University
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (15)
- Cape Girardeau–Cape Girardeau County Archive Center
- Independence–Mid-Continent Public Library
- Kansas City–Kansas City Public Library, Special Collections Department
- Kansas–Linda Hall Library
- Kirksville–Adair County Public Library
- Ozark—Christian County Public Library
- Saint Louis–Saint Louis Mercantile Library
- Saint Louis–St. Charles City County Library
- Saint Louis–St. Louis County Library
- Saint Louis–St. Louis Public Library
- Springfield–Springfield-Greene County Public Library
- St. Louis–St. Louis County Public Library, Special Collections
- Trenton–The Jewett Norris Library
- Warrensburg–Trails Regional Library
Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives (10)
- Black Archives of Mid-America
- Center for the History of Family Medicine
- Church of the Nazarene
- Concordia Historical Institute
- Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center
- Jackson County Historical Society
- Missouri Historical Society
- National Archives and Records Administration-Central Plains Region
- Presbyterian Church in America. Historical Center
- St. Charles County Historical Society
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- MOREnet (Missouri Research and Education Network) Online Resources
Provides access to several online resources to Missouri’s K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries, health care, state government and other affiliated organizations. Resources include EBSCOhost, NewsBank, NetSmartz Workshop, Missouri Resources, and more.
Digital Library Collections (4)
- Virtually Missouri
- University of Missouri Digital Collections
- University of Missouri Digital Library – Digital Collections By Subject
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
Nebraska Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best Nebraska local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (4)
- Nebraska Library Commission
- Nebraska Secretary of State – Records Management Division
- Nebraska State Genealogical Society
- Nebraska State Historical Society
University Archives and Collections (8)
- Creighton University. Rare Book Room
- Creighton University. University Archives
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- University of Nebraska, Omaha. Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection
- University of Nebraska, Omaha. Special Collections
- University of Nebraska, Omaha. University Archives
- Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (2)
- Lincoln City–Lincoln City Libraries
- Omaha–Omaha Public Library
Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives (2)
- Buffalo County Historical Society
- Douglas County Historical Society
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- Best of the Web – Nebraska Library Commission
This site contains a list of websites recommended by the Nebraska Library Commission. Topics include Business and Finance, Education, Health and Medical, Nebraska Information, Science and Technology, and more.
Digital Library Collections (1)
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
North Dakota Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best North Dakota local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (6)
- North Dakota State Genealogical Society
- North Dakota State Library-Genealogy Research Resources
- Archives and Library, State Historical Society of North Dakota
- State Historical Society of North Dakota
University Archives and Collections (3)
North Dakota State University. Institute for Regional Studies
North Dakota State University. University Archives
University of North Dakota. Special Collections
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (4)
- Fargo–North Dakota State University, Institute of Regional Studies
- Grand Forks–University of North Dakota, Chester Fritz Library, Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special
- Collections
- Historical Society and Special Interest Resources and Archives
- Diocese of Fargo
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- Online Library Resources – North Dakota State Library
Digital Library Collections (0)
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
South Dakota Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
The following is a listing of the best South Dakota local, county, and state genealogical and historical libraries and societies to assist you in tracing, finding, and writing narratives about ancestors.
What you can expect to find
Many of these libraries and societies have genealogical collections, historical collections, archives, special collections, and digital collections. Digital collections by subject, rare books, oral histories, photography collection, family history, digital projects, genealogical. open collections, virtual resources, electronic, and history text which are departments in the library.
Tip: Copy and paste the name of the listed resource into Google or the search engine of choice to find the web address. Once you find the resource you will be able to explore the type of resources you can find to support your historical and genealogy research.
State-wide Resources (4)
- South Dakota Genealogical Society
- South Dakota State Historical Society / Office of History
- South Dakota State Archives
- South Dakota State Library
University Archives and Collections (9)
- Augustana College. Center for Western Studies
- Black Hills State University
- Dakota State University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- South Dakota State University
- University of South Dakota. National Music Museum
- University of South Dakota. South Dakota Oral History Center
- University of South Dakota. Special Collections
- University of South Dakota, I.D. Weeks Library, Archives & Special Collections
Public Library and Community Resources and Archives (1)
- Deadwood–City of Deadwood
Finding State Digital Resources and Collections (1)
- South Dakota State Library
This site provides users with an online library catalog and electronic databases. Special sections designed for kids and teens allow the target users to search for information through interactive interfaces.
Digital Library Collections (1)
- South Dakota State Historical Society, South Dakota Memory
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Genealogical and Historical Libraries and Societies
