New Orleans City Directories
Researchers can consult city directories for both property and genealogical information. New Orleans City Directories were published in multiple formats and by several different publishers since before Louisiana statehood in 1812. Please note that no city directories were published during the Civil War years (1862-1865). Additionally, it is not until 1932 that cross reference listing by street address is available.
Order copies of City Directories
If you don't have a library card and/ or can't visit the archives, you can place an order for searches and copies of New Orleans City Directories for a small fee.
Order CopiesThe following New Orleans City Directories are available to view on microfilm/ microfiche in the City Archives by appointment.
- Microfiche: 1811, 1822-1824, 1832, 1834, 1838, 1841-1843, 1846, 1849-1859
- 16mm Microfilm: 1811-1965
- 35mm Microfilm: 1861-1960
New Orleans City Directories from 1861-1960 have been digitized and are now available on Ancestry.com and the HeritageQuest databases. Additional years are available through the Gale City and Business Directories database.
- Visit New Orleans Public Library databases.
City Directories from 1961-present (excluding some years that were not published) are available to view in print in the City Archives. In 1955, R.L. Polk began publishing a separate New Orleans Suburban directory. The division has copies of all that have been published. In 1966, Haines & Company began publishing their CrissCross directory. The division has copies of all that have been published. Email archivist@nolalibrary.org to make an appointment to view materials.
City Directories are available for cities and parishes outside of New Orleans. Please search the library’s online catalog for holdings, and schedule an appointment to view materials by emailing archivist@nolalibrary.org.