Explore the wide variety of print and online resources available at the library to expand your family history search.

Databases

We provide free access to subscription databases for genealogy research. Unless otherwise indicated, these databases are accessible from home with your library card.

• African American Heritage – Search essential historical records for African Americans, including Federal Census, Marriage and Cohabitation records, Military Draft and Service records, Registers of Slaves and Free(d) Persons of Color, Freedman’s Bank and More.
• Ancestry Library Edition – U. S. Census records; military records; court, land and probate records; vital and church records; directories; petitions for naturalization; passenger lists and more. Library use only.
• Fold3 – Convenient access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.
• Heritage Quest Online – Extensive collection of American genealogical sources including primary sources, local and family histories, and finding aids.   
• Newspapers.com Ohio Collection – Largest online newspaper archive, used by millions for genealogy and family history, historical research, crime investigations, journalism, and entertainment.
• Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps – Large scale street plans produced by the Sanborn Fire Insurance company from 1867 to 1970. Used by local historians to locate and identify buildings and neighborhoods, urban historians to study the growth of towns and cities, and environmentalists concerned about impact of new developments.
• ShipIndex – Easily trace vessels mentioned in historical records, passenger lists, and maritime archives.

Books

The Hudson Library owns a large genealogical book collection, with some available for circulation. The collection also includes Ohio county histories, and a variety of genealogical magazines. Search the online catalog to find available print materials.

Obituary Index

The Hudson library maintains a necrology file containing the obituaries of Hudson residents. The file is indexed and searchable via the Ohio Obituary Index. 

Contact Us to order an obituary.

Hudson Genealogical Study Group

The independent organization Hudson Genealogical Study Group (HGSG), a chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society, is open to all persons with genealogical interests. The group holds regular programs at the library covering a wide range of genealogical programs from beginners to experts. Please visit the Hudson Genealogical Study Group’s website for more information.

Newspapers

Copies of Hudson newspapers are available on microfilm from 1827-1853, 1879-2000, 2005-2010. Physical copies are available for recent years. Subject index to major news items in Hudson, Ohio, newspapers and news sources from 1903 to present day. Visit the Newspapers page for more information.

Family History Digitization

Equipped with the latest technology for digitizing your family’s history, the Family History Center features an array of technology to assist you in creating digital copies of your cherished family memories. Some equipment can be checked out.

Genealogy Assistance

We offer free genealogical assistance to help you get started in researching your family history. To make an appointment, please contact us.