Genealogy Databases

The Wilsonville Public Library provides access to five genealogy databases with similar names, but different scopes and means of access. Please read about them below:

In addition to the online databases, the Library also has a Heritage Collection located in a designated section of the non-fiction area. The collection is one of the most easily accessible public collections for genealogical research in Oregon, as well as a resource for local and regional history.

The Library also has a Genealogy Club. The mission of the Wilsonville Genealogy Club is to encourage and nurture an interest in genealogy by providing instruction (including workshops, information and inspiration to its members.  New members are welcome! 

For more information please contact Malia Laughton at 503-682-2744 or email her at laughton@wilsonvillelibrary.org.

Genealogy Databases:

Ancestry Library (Only accessible from within the Library!)

Ancestry produces what is often considered the preeminent genealogical database. In addition to fully indexed census records of all US census years, Ancestry contains thousands of other databases, including ship's records, banking records, vital statistics, and many, many more.

Your options if you do not have a Wilsonville Library-issued card:  

1. From within the Wilsonville Library building, access is available without restriction.

2. If you cannot come to the library, please contact reference staff. Staff may be able to search the database and provide help with specific and focused genealogy questions. Contact reference staff by email at: reference@wilsonvillelibrary.org or by telephone at 503-682-2744.

Search AncestryLibrary.com

Fold3 History & Genealogy Archives

Fold3 provides access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of men and women who served. Original records at Fold3 help you discover and share stories about these everyday heroes, forgotten soldiers, and the families that supported them. On Fold3, you can combine records found on the site with what you have in your records to create an online memorial for someone who served.

Search Fold3

HeritageHub

Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 to today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information and potentially unknown family members. Includes deep coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid 1900’s, and original obituary images.

Search HeritageHub

HeritageQuest

This database is nationwide in scope and includes family histories, genealogical serials, local histories, and primary sources in full image. Also included is the ability to search Federal Census page images, indexed by name. With resources on towns and families from all 50 states as well as Canada and the British Isles, the database includes 7.5 million fully searchable pages in addition to the census images. HeritageQuest also contains PERSI, the genealogy periodical index, Revolutionary War Pension records, and much more.

Search HeritageQuest

​Northwest Heritage Index

This index covers mostly Clackamas County and Oregon people and places, etc., including obituaries from over 100 years of Canby, Oregon newspapers, originally compiled by Canby Public Library volunteers and staff.  The subjects of the obituaries were from a wide area including much of Clackamas County and northeast Marion County.  Many otherwise unindexed sources in the Wilsonville Public Library Heritage Collection have also been indexed here.

Search Northwest Heritage Index

A wealth of materials, both general and in depth for Oregon

For many years the Library has been acquiring a basic collection of standard tools and guides for American (and some foreign) genealogical research, as well as almost everything we can find relating to Oregon genealogy and local history. This includes:

  • Census: All the available federal population census listings for Oregon on microfilm from 1850 through 1930, plus numerous Oregon census indexes, earlier territorial census information and some additional Oregon state census listings, plus indexes for censuses in other states. More census data is also available via our online databases (see above). The census materials allow people to find family household groups at ten-year intervals. Since 1850 these list each individual’s name, age, birthplace (state or country) and various other items of information, giving family snapshots in time. The evolution of families from decade to decade, their moves, their fortunes, and their neighbors may be revealed, often with fascinating details.
  • Vital records: substantial coverage of Oregon birth, marriage, divorce and death records, cemetery and mortuary records and indexes, plus some helpful indexes for other states
  • Directories and indexes: biographical directories, city directories, newspaper indexes, college and high school yearbooks and many other tools to help find information about people
  • Local history: local area and Portland newspapers, county and community histories, church and organizational histories, and many other items, from local historic photographs to scrapbooks and published diaries or letters. Our coverage is strongest for the Wilsonville area, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, and Multnomah counties and the Willamette Valley generally. We also have a growing online index to many materials in the Heritage Collection which are not indexed elsewhere.

For most long-term Oregon residents from the 1850s to the present, it should be possible to glean a fair amount of information from the various sources available, and more are being added all the time. Many important tools are available for Washington, Idaho, and California and other states. Some excellent guides are also available for British, Irish and other common areas of ethnic and foreign research.

  • Printer-friendly version