Local History and Genealogy Research

Carnegie Library for Local History is open by appointment only.  Appointments can be scheduled online. Basic research and scanning services may be requested by email, [email protected].

Carnegie Library for Local History

The Carnegie Library for Local History archive collects and preserves our community’s memory for future generations of researchers. Very few public libraries have collections of local history materials as comprehensive or as exciting as those in the Carnegie Library for Local History. Written, visual and audible materials created by and about Boulder-area residents are housed in our documents room, and are available to the public and scholars for research. Collections documenting early geographic, cultural and social regions of Boulder County include:

  • documents
  • photographs
  • Maria Rogers Oral History Program
  • historic Boulder and Boulder County newspapers in microfilm ranging from 1869-present as well as the Boulder Daily Camera archives organized by last name and subject.

The archive’s resources are non-circulating and must be used in the archive.

Obituaries may be requested by email, [email protected].

Genealogy Resources

Housed inside the Carnegie Library for Local History is the Boulder Genealogical Society’s collection. This collection consists of a wide range of materials including:

  • obituary indexes (1859-1925 and 1960-present)
  • mortuary and burial records
  • histories and directories for various Boulder churches

The Genealogical Society offers research for a fee.  For more information email [email protected].

Visit our Genealogy Resources for family tree resources.
To Reserve a time:

  • Researchers MUST make an appointment with a staff person at least 24 hours to one week in advance.
  • Please be prepared. Search our Catalog, a list of materials or topic is required to be submitted at the time the appointment is made.
  • See our list of rules and library policies below.

Rules

The archive’s resources are non-circulating and must be used in the archive. There are specific rules governing Library Rules of Conduct and the Carnegie Library in-house collection use.

Please comply with the following rules for in-house use of our collection:

  • All patrons entering the library must keep voices and conversation low.
  • Cell phones must be taken outside the building.
  • Due to the nature of our collection, children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
  • Materials may not be borrowed or checked out.
  • Backpacks and briefcases are not allowed in the stacks. Please place them on the chair next to you or on the floor.
  • If the weather is inclement, please place wet coats on the coat track so as to not damage our materials.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the archive. Leave any food or drink in the entryway.
  • Photographs may not be photographed or scanned, with the exception of the City of Boulder collections 511 and 780 as well as the collection of photographs on the Boulder Assessor’s cards.