Genealogy Materials and Research
The Shiawassee District Library maintains materials of interest to genealogists, primarily related to Shiawassee County and the State of Michigan. Various reference books are available at both the Durand Memorial and Owosso Branches. A complete catalog of available materials is available online. Microfilm of the Owosso Argus-Press (1862- ) is available in Owosso and the Durand Express (1897-July 21, 2002) in Durand. In addition, incomplete runs of the Shiawassee County Journal (1892-1996) and the Owosso Times (1881-1926) are available in Owosso.
Digital Memory Lab Available at the Owosso Library
Don't let your family history be lost because technology has changed. We can help you preserve your special family documents in a digital format that can easily be stored and shared. Contact the Owosso Library for more information.
Shiawassee County Obituary Index
Covers obituaries published in the Owosso Argus-Press. This index covers 1862-the present. Recently published obituaries are being added on a regular basis; full text of some recent obituaries is available on the Argus-Press' web site.
Shiawassee County Surname File
Contains information from family group sheets from Shiawassee County Genealogical Society members and Shiawassee County cemetery records. This information was provided by the Genealogy Society. Data Source Codes refer to the individual providing the information; limited contact information may be available from the library upon request.
Genealogical Reference Policy
Simple genealogy questions may be answered over the phone, but many are simply too complicated. While a librarian is happy to assist, Shiawassee County residents will generally be expected to come into the library to conduct their own research. Research done by staff is limited to materials accessible from the library and can only be done when time is available.
Written requests may be e-mailed to info@mysdl.org or mailed to:
Shiawassee District Library
Owosso Branch
502 W. Main
Owosso, MI 48867
The library does not charge for scanned files sent via e-mail. There is a charge of $1.00 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page sent via the mail to cover copy charges and postage. Copies are available in the library for 10 cents per page.
SDL Genealogy Resources
Ancestry Library Edition
Find birth, death, and census records. Only accessible inside the library
BiblioBoard Library
Discover local content from self-published authors, top indie eBooks, and so much more. Never experience a hold, checkout, or lending limit. Download the BiblioBoard Library app for your Apple, Android, or Kindle device.
FamilySearch
FamilySearch.org is a website offering genealogical records, education, and software provided by the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Resource only available at Owosso Public Library.
Fold3 Library Edition
Compilation of military records and memorials to veterans. Searchable by names, dates, places, publication names, conflict periods, document types, and more.
Heritage Quest Online
HeritageQuest provides a keyword searchable collection of genealogical research materials, including:
Census - The complete United States Federal Census 1790-1940 as well as various Canadian census records
eBooks - More than 28,000 family and local history books
MyHeritage Library Edition
Newspapers.com Library Edition
Find marriage announcements, social pages, birth announcements, obituaries, local sports action, and news in a number of papers from around the world.
Includes the Owosso Times.
Shiawassee County Obituary Index
Index to obituaries published in the Owosso Argus-Press & its predecessors, beginning in 1862
Shiawassee County Surname File
Information from family group sheets & local cemetery records provided by the Shiawassee County Genealogical Society
Local History Organizations
Owosso Historical Commission
The purpose of the Historical Commission is to recognize, preserve and bring public attention to the historical treasures of the city and to promote a historical interest in the arts.
Shiawassee County Historical Society
The Shiawassee County Historical Society is a volunteer-led organization that collects local history documents and supports local history initiatives.
Michigan Genealogy Resources
Central Michigan University, Clarke Historical Library
Full-text of Michigan Local History Resources.
Michigan County Histories and Atlases
Searchable full-text of Michigan local histories and atlases.
A database maintained by the Library of Congress.
Includes material from the State of Michigan Archives.
Michigan Online Historical Newspapers
List of historical Michigan newspapers with information about their years of publication, area covered, and links for finding online copies.