Info & Research: Local History & Genealogy

You have questions about life, the universe...everything. At the library we know how to find what you need. This section of Where Minds Grow deals with common information requests we hear at the Reference Desk and is a great place to begin your search for

Discover the rich history of Springfield and Lane County, or dive into your own family's story.

Genealogy

MyHeritage Library Edition
MyHeritage is the leading destination to discover, share and preserve your family history. MyHeritage is transforming family history into an activity that's accessible and instantly rewarding. Trusted by millions of families, its global user community enjoys access to a massive library of historical records, the most internationally diverse collection of family trees and ground-breaking search and matching technologies. MyHeritage empowers families with an easy way to share their story, past and present, and treasure it for generations to come. MyHeritage is available in 40 languages.

Springfield Times Microfilm
Microfilm is temporarily unavailable. Please contact the University of Oregon to access microfilm and microfilm readers.

Books on Genealogy Available at the Library
FamilySearch
Worldwide free access to family trees and vital records maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Cyndi's List
A great collection of genealogical websites.

Register Guard (2001 - Present)
Text only edition of The Register Guard. Archives available back to January 2001. If today's newspaper is unable to be accessed it can be found in The Register Guard (image) database we also offer here:
http://wheremindsgrow.org/rg_image

Register Guard Archive (1867-2001)
To search for newspapers prior to 2001, use this link to the Google News Archives for the Register Guard

Local History

Springfield Historic Commission

How to find history on your Springfield residence.

Have you just moved into Springfield's historic Washburne district? On this page, you will find information about how to research your house if you live in the historic district.

The best place to start is the City of Springfield's Planning Department where you can contact a planner to find details about the architect and the architectual style of your house.They also might have other historic information including photographs.

The Springfield Museum is another great place to search for historic information regarding your house. The museum has a photograph collection which you can access by contacting the curator and making a research request. There are also vertical research files and a research library that are accessible when the museum is open to the public.

Please contact Springfield Museum Curator Madeline McGraw for more information:

mmcgraw@springfield-or.gov

541-726-2300

Obituary Requests

If you know that the person you are researching passed away in Springfield, Oregon, there are options you can explore for finding obituary information through the Springfield Public Library.

We have microfilm of the Springfield News that patrons can only access at the library. Patrons are welcome to come and use our microfilm reader and printer to explore on their own. Prints are $.15 per page.

Tips: When searching microfilm for an obituary, always start the search on the date of death and search about 7 days after the date of death.

Library staff are also available to conduct a search if you are out of the area. Contact us by phone or email and include the death date, place of death, and full name of the person you are researching. Also include your phone number, email, and name.

Searching for an obituary outside of Lane County?

Contact a public library in that city or town. Many libraries maintain archives of current and historical newspapers. Librarians may be able to send a photocopy of an obituary for a nominal fee.
Search archives located on a newspaper's website.
Find academic,club or association newsletters that may publish alumni death notices.