Genealogy
The Local History & Archives department, located on the third floor of the Central Library, has many books, microfilms, and online resources to help you research the history of your family within the Hamilton area.
Library staff are available to help you use the collections and no appointment is necessary. Our materials are for use only in the library. To view archival materials, you may need to provide identification, such as a library card or driver's license.
Copying of most of our collections is allowed. Photocopies cost 20 cents. Copies from microfilm reader-printers cost 50 cents. Copy cards and change are available at the entrance to the library.
Contact us for more information.
Cemetery Transcriptions
Some tombstones contain the date of birth as well as the date of death.
Copies of all the cemetery transcriptions for the Hamilton area are available in the Local History & Archives department.
Newspapers
If you know the date of birth, death or marriage, you can check the local newspaper for an announcement. If you don't, there are ways we may be able to help you find it. Contact us for more information.
Vital Statistics
The Vital Statistics Act made registering Births, Marriages and Deaths mandatory in Ontario.
Census
Census records for Ontario (to 1901) are available on microfilm in the Department. Births which occur during a census year are noted in the record.
