Access databases specific to historic research at any library branch or at home with your New Orleans Public Library Card. Visit the NOPL Databases, enter your library card number, and select the database. Don’t have a library card? Visit any New Orleans Public Library location to sign up for one.
While all databases can be helpful in research, there are a few that are very instrumental to historic research.
Researchers should note that Ancestry.com is only available at New Orleans Public Library locations; it is unavailable outside of the library.
Genealogy
Explore genealogy records through Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest, and Fold 3 military records.
Newspapers
Search through New Orleans Newspapers (Newsbank) and Newspapers.com. Newsbank offers access to the Times Picayune (1837-present), the New Orleans Item (1877-1958), New Orleans States (1916-1957), and the States-Item (1960-1979).
History
Explore full text reference books from the Biography and History Reference Center and video interviews of prominent African Americans through the History Makers digital archives.
Property
Explore property records through the Fire Insurance Maps Online (FiMo), Sanborn Maps, and Gale City Directories
Tips on Using Databases
How to: Searching Newspaper Databases
How to: Searching for Obituaries
How to: Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
How to: Search Naturalization Records
Request an Appointment
Want to research at the Archives?
Request an appointment before you visit.
Order Search and Copies
Located out of town? Request copies of newspaper articles and other records through our Search and Copy Services.
Newspapers and Serials
Learn more about newspapers and serials in microfilm and digital formats.
