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.

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 Get insight into everyday lives, places and events of the past with full text searching of historical content, which is among the most sought-after primary source material.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