Tracing a family tree or curious about the stories behind the people and places that shaped the community? Wake County Public Libraries offers resources to help residents explore family histories and connect with the community’s past.
Olivia Raney Local History Library, the system’s local history and genealogy branch, houses more than 100 archival collections representing local people and families, community organizations, businesses, religious and political groups, schools and more. The collections include unique materials like documents, letters, photographs, diaries and scrapbooks.
Researchers can also explore historic maps, bound newspapers, microfilmed copies of The News & Observer and Raleigh Times, city directories, cookbooks, yearbooks and tax records. While the collection focuses on Wake County, the library also collects local history and genealogy books from North Carolina and neighboring states, including Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina.
The library offers several resources for people beginning or continuing genealogical research, including:
- Four computers dedicated to genealogical research
- Access to special collections
- Two microfilm readers that can be used to research the library’s collections and outside microfilm, including veterans’ records
- Special access to FamilySearch.org, which means that many records locked to patrons at home can be unlocked at the library
- ArchivesSpace, a searchable database of finding aids for the library’s archival collections
- Preservica, which provides access to digitized documents and images, oral histories and handwritten materials transcribed by library staff
Visitors can use Ancestry.com for free on computers at all Wake County libraries.
Interested in getting started with genealogy but don’t know where to start? Genealogy and Local Family History 101, a program designed to introduce participants to genealogy resources and research techniques, takes place from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Northeast Regional Library. The program is free, but registration is required.
Help Preserve Wake County’s History
Residents can play a role in preserving the community’s history. The library accepts yearbooks from Wake County and surrounding-area schools, as well as local history and genealogy books. Archival materials such as diaries, letters and photographs should document Wake County history. Reach out to lib.orl.researchquestions@wake.gov to learn more.
Olivia Raney Local History Library also invites residents to share oral histories, which can preserve personal stories and experiences from across the community. Interviews can be any length and topic. Use this form to get started.
Additional genealogy resources are available through Wake County Public Libraries’ Genealogy Resources guide.
