Genealogy

Wisconsin Historical Society

Madison Public Library offers some local genealogy resources, but serious researchers will find many more resources at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Library Research Tools

Library Databases

Genealogy Websites

Library Research Tools

The library subscribes to some databases for genealogists. Start with Ancestry Library or Heritage Quest, but the others may also be able to help you.

Library Databases

Ancestry Library

Find out more about your family tree by searching Ancestry Library. | more info »
This resource is only available inside Madison Public Library locations.

HeritageQuest

HeritageQuest provides access to genealogy records and books, including census data, local histories, Freedman's Bank, tax rolls, cemetery lists, military rosters, and more. | more info »
This resource is available remotely to all cardholders of any South Central Library System member library and in-library at all member libraries.

Wisconsin Historical Society Family History Records

The Wisconsin Historical Society has partnered with Ancestry to provide free access to selected Wisconsin government records for family history research. | more info »
This resource is available to all library users.

Genealogy Websites

Family Search

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides FamilySearch free of charge to everyone, regardless of tradition, culture, or religious affiliation. | more info »

Forest Hills Cemetery Burial Records search

In 1857, the City of Madison purchased a tract of land with a lovely view overlooking the entire city and the surrounding lakes. Even today, this tree-lined cemetery, located on Speedway Road, retains an original park-like atmosphere with winding roads and flowerbeds. | more info »

Genealogy Tools from WHS

Includes records of births and deaths in Wisconsin prior to 1907, information about cemetery records , Wisconsin Name Index , a Civil War roster, and much more. | more info »

Municipal Records, Office of the Secretary of State of Wisconsin

Search the digital archives of municipal records by counties and cities housed at the Secretary of State of Wisconsin. Some records go back to the mid-1800s. | more info »

Vital Records Services

Information on obtaining copies of vital records, searching records in person, and other services. | more info »