History and Genealogy
Explore local history and genealogy with Lambton County Library. Start tracing your roots or dive into researching Lambton County's past with the following resources:
Lambton County Archives
Lambton County Archives is the archival centre for genealogical and local history research in Lambton County. The Archives preserves and makes accessible historical and family documents for researchers. At the Archives, visitors can access resources such as:
- Family records, census records, birth records (to 1914), marriage records (to 1929) and death records (to 1939).
- Local newspapers - Sarnia Observer from 1853 to present, Petrolia Topic, Forest Standard and more.
- Corporate records, Land Registry information, historical atlases, Women's Institute's Records, and Tweedsmuir Books, and the local branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society holdings.
Local History Collection
Lambton County Library provides a limited selection of local history materials at each local library.
Online Research Tools
The following online resources are available for history research.
FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch.org is a website offering genealogical records, education and software. Lambton County Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, meaning that your library card gives you free access to over 2 billion digitized records. To access exclusive images and records, beyond what an at home user can see, you can book computer time, or use your own device at any of our 25 locations.
Ancestry Library Edition
Ancestry Library Edition is an online searching program with approximately 4,000 databases and billons of names. Covering the United States and the United Kingdom, it includes census, vital, church, court, and immigration records, as well as record collections from Canada and other areas. Visitors using public computers or public wi-fi at any Lambton County Library location can access Ancestry Library Edition, at no cost. Ancestry Library Edition is also accessible at Lambton County Archives with an admission fee.
Historical Newspapers by ProQuest
Access full digital archives of three major newspapers, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and The Windsor Star from anywhere with a network connection. Get insight into everyday lives, places and events of the past with full text searching of historical content, which is among the most sought-after primary source material.
The Globe and Mail - 1844 - 2018
The Toronto Star - 1894 - 2019
The Windsor Star - 1893 - 2010
Canadian Encyclopedia
Canadian Encyclopedia is a free online resource offering a collection of authored, accurate and continually updated articles focused on Canada's history and culture.
Digital Archive Ontario
Digital Archive Ontario was developed and is managed with resources from the Toronto Public Library. Digital Archive Ontario provides free access to digital material of historical importance to Ontario and Canada.
Bibliothèque de référence virtuelle: Le meilleur de l'Internet : consultez les diverses catégories ou effectuez une recherche pour trouver des ressources fiables recommandées par des bibliothécaires. Avec le soutien du gouvernement de l'Ontario, la Bibliothèque publique de Toronto propose des ressources pour tous les Ontarie
Our Ontario
Our Ontario provides access to full text newspapers from communities around Ontario.