Local History & Genealogy

Indiana Room Collection photo 1
Indiana Room Collection photo 2 showing book shelves
Indiana Room Collection showing books on shelf

Indiana Room Collection

Explore the beautiful and historic Indiana Room at the Main Library. With bricks and keystones exposed from the original Carnegie Library, which opened in 1920, these walls are filled with state, regional, and local history connecting us all to our roots.

  • Use the digital microfilm machines to research regional newspapers dating back to the late 1800s.
  • Search through plat books, atlases, and historical maps

Research Your Family History

Genealogy and local history resources are available in our collections. Our research staff can teach you how to use these resources to their fullest potential. The largest collection of resources is located in the Indiana Room at the Main Library. 

LPCPL locations are FamilySearch affiliate libraries. Affiliate libraries have access to FamilySearch’s digital genealogical collections that are otherwise accessible only through a FamilySearch center. 

For more information please call the Information Desk at 219-362-6156 ext. 101 or email help@laportelibrary.org

Staff can help you with your research and locate genealogical records or obituaries.

Online Research Request Form

Explore LPCPL's Digital Archives

Similar to the collection located in the historic Indiana Room at the Main Library, customers are able to explore all types of local and genealogy history, 24 hours a day/7 days a week through the digital archives.

Browse local high school yearbooks dating back to 1902, see how property lines and geographic areas have shifted with the digital maps, and read stories of local history that make up the patchwork of our community.

1944 Mobile Library

Online Resources

FamilySearch

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Curious about your heritage? Search billions of ancestor profiles, photographs, and historical documents at once -- absolutely FREE.
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Find a Grave

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World's largest gravesite collection. Search cemeteries and grave records, create virtual memorials or add photos, virtual flowers and a note to a loved one’s memorial.

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Historic Preservation Commission

City of La Porte seal

They work to facilitate the advancement of designated structures and historic districts in order to raise awareness of the importance of the architecture to community identity and cultural economic development.

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Hoosier State Chronicles

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Provide free, online access to high quality digital images of Indiana’s historic newspapers by digitizing collection, and assist other organizations in making their collections digitally available.

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Indiana Genealogical Society

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Established in 1989, the Indiana Genealogical Society is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of materials concerning the early settlers of the state.

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Indiana Memory

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Provides access to primary sources in Indiana libraries, archives, museums and other cultural institutions. It is a gateway to Indiana’s history and culture found in digitized books, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, maps and other media. 

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La Porte County Historical Society Museum

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La Porte County is rich in history and the La Porte County Historical Society Museum reflects that. Hosting many events and exhibits each year, there is something for everyone!

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LPCPL Digital Archives

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Explore historical documents and images from La Porte County, Indiana. The electronic versions of these documents are provided by LPCPL and/or the transcribers for nonprofit or personal use. Commercial use requires express written consent.

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Preserve Historic La Porte

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Promotes and pursues the preservation of La Porte’s historic architecture through education, community service, hands-on restoration, promotion of local historic designation, and financial support of preservation projects. 

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