Genealogy and Local History

Local History Room

The Stanley and Blanche Ash Foundation and Charles and Ellen Randal Foundation Local History Room is open during regular Library hours. Please stop by the Reference Desk to sign in. Visitors have access to all of our resources, including our microfilm reader and computer with internet access. Please ask Library staff for assistance to access items in the locked cases or to make photocopies.

Collection

The Local History Room has many resources to assist with genealogical or local history research including city directories, vital records, newspapers, obituaries and many more. Learn more about the records available here.

Genealogy Research

If you cannot visit the Library, but wish to have research done, please submit your request by calling 616.754.6359, emailing flatriver@flatriverlibrary.org, or mailing requests to the Library, Attn: Local History. Extensive research may be subject to restrictions and/or fees. Please contact the Library for details.

Newspapers, Censuses, and Vital Records

With support from the Greenville Area Community Foundation’s Stafford Fund for Community Enhancement and the Stafford Group, we are pleased to offer digitized vital records, censuses, newspapers, and photographs.

Newspapers 1857 through 1923

Newspapers 1924 through 2010

Vital Records and Censuses

Local History Photographs

Ancestry Library Edition

ProQuest has partnered with Ancestry.com to create Ancestry Library Edition, one of the most important genealogical collections available today with unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom. Its valuable content is a strong complement to HeritageQuest Online. Ancestry Library Edition may be used inside the library on the public computers or with your own device on the library’s wireless internet connection.

Montcalm County History

Compilation of links with information on area history.

Seeking Michigan

Seeking Michigan is the online platform for the Michigan Historical Center. It includes Archives of Michigan research guides and indexes, a blog, and educator resources – all from the Michigan Historical Center and Archives of Michigan staff.