Genealogy and Local History
Local History Resources
GENEALOGY
The OCPL’s local history and genealogy collection is housed in the Antoinette “Ann” Rogers Memorial South Carolina History Room. The Rogers Room houses our microfilm collection of local newspapers, as well as local histories, family histories, SC Code of Laws, cemetery records, and many other items of local interest. The books are searchable in our online catalog. Books may not be taken out of the library. We also have a small collection of local historical maps.
Members of the public conducting genealogical research will be given limited assistance. Because OCPL lacks sufficient staff to do research, any letters, phone calls, and e-mails from persons requesting extensive research will be denied. Names and addresses of local persons who do research for a fee will be provided if such a person is known. If the information sought is easily accessible, such as a photocopy of an obituary, there will be a $5.00 processing charge to cover paper and postage. If you would like to request assistance from library staff for research, please fill out this Genealogy Request Form. Please include all relevant information, including names, dates, and any other information that will help in our research. If you need assistance with the form, please call the Main Library at 864-638-4133.
The OCPL does not allow any items in the genealogical collection to be loaned through ILL.
Photocopies cost $.15 a page for black and white copies. Information from microfilm can also be saved to a flash drive.
The following newspapers are available on microfilm:
Farm and Factory 1907 – 1926 (no 1917)
Keowee Courier 1849-2011
Seneca (Daily) Journal 1930-1934 and 1937 – July 31, 2015 (1968-Centennial issue only)
Tugaloo Tribune 1915-1952
Westminster News 1965-2013 (6/26/13)
Online Resources:
Also make sure to check out Ancestry.com library edition, and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Genealogy database, both on this site. Ancestry.com can ONLY be used inside the library or in range of library Wi-Fi. The links can be found in the OCPL online library links above, under OCPL digital learning.