LibGuides: FYS 107: Stories About Your Ancestors: Internet Resources

Online Archives & Other Records Websites

National and statewide resources that can be searched and accessed online.

Library of Congress Digital Collections
The official library of Congress, and the unofficial national library of the United States. The largest library in the world! With a plethora of digitized material to explore.
Bureau of Land Management
Search and view the land claims of early Oregon settlers.
City of Portland Archives & Records Management
Search database for Portland city records such as ordinances, resolutions, City Council minutes, historical documents and photographs.
Early Oregonians Database
Documents individuals who lived in Oregon prior to statehood through 1860.
Genealogical Forum of Oregon
The GFO provides genealogical education, preserves and offers access to genealogical and historical resources, and publishes within the genealogical community.
Historical Newspapers and Indexes - USA
Links to newspaper indexes and archives. Organized by state.
Military Records and Identification
Information to help with finding/accessing military records through the US government.
National Archives - Research our Records
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever. Those valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching a historical topic that interests you.
Oregon Historical Records Index
Official Oregon records for things like births, deaths, marriages, naturalization, census, change of name, etc.) Search the state records database by last name, county, and more).
Oregon Historical Society
Search the Oregon Historical Society Library catalog for all sorts of historical material.
Oregon Jewish Museum & Center for Holocaust Education
The artifact and archives collections at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education document the experiences of Oregon Jews from our earliest history through today. Their collections include oral histories, photographs, artifacts, and more.
The Oregon Territory and its Pioneers
Genealogy and family history website devoted to early Oregon Territory settler families and history, including lists of pioneers of various wagon trains, by year.

University Archives & Other Local Resources

Many universities have archives that deal with the history of the university and surrounding town. Collections at bigger universities are sometimes more expansive. Similarly, some counties and towns have small archives and historical societies. Many small archives have not been able to digitize their records and materials, which means those items can only be accessed by physically visiting the location, though some do have some digital content available. If you live nearby, or if you know the piece of history you're looking for is local to one of these areas, they might be worth a try. Make sure to check their websites for current pandemic opening hours and policies (e.g. many are reservation-only right now).

Clackamas County Historical Society Genealogy Discovery Center
Clark County Historical Museum Research Library
The Genealogical Society of Washington County
George Fox University Digital Collections
Manuscripts, documents, photographs, digital records, videos, music, and memorabilia that tell the history of George Fox University, the Northwest Yearly Meeting, and Newberg, Oregon.
The WOU Archive's Digital Collections
Digitized materials relating to WOU and the history of the surrounding Monmouth/Independence area.
Lewis & Clark Special Collections and Archive
Early manuscripts, and historical collections including extensive holdings on the World War II Civilian Public Service, pacifism, women’s suffrage, and one of the world’s most complete collections of printed materials on the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
Multnomah County Digital Archives
Portland State University Special Collections
Photographs, oral histories, Oregon public speakers, African American history in Oregon, Portland region planning history, women in Oregon politics, history of community organizations.
Reed College Special Collections & Archives
Rare books, manuscripts, Redd college archives, and other primary source materials with enduring historical value.
UW Libraries Special Collections, Digital Collections
Rare books, manuscripts, papers, records, photographs, moving images and architectural drawings from around the Pacific Northwest.
Willamette University Special Collection
Letters, diaries, publications, memorabilia and more.