Roots to the Past: Local History & Genealogy

We have a wealth of local history and genealogy resources. Learn about upcoming programs and new acquisitions. Check out our digital collections and helpful links. Discover your unique Nova Scotian heritage at the Halifax Public Libraries!

Getting Started

• Researching Local History
• Starting Your Family Tree
• Collections
• Donations

Find a Local Group or Organization

Suggested Reading Lists

• Acadia and the Acadians (PDF)
• African Nova Scotians (PDF)
• Beginner Guides to Genealogy (PDF)
• Explosion In Halifax Harbour, December 6, 1917 (PDF)
• HRM Historic Communities (PDF)
• Literary Firsts Resource List (PDF)
• Literary Walking Tour Resource List (PDF)
• The Sinking of the Titanic (PDF)

Searchable Databases

• Ancestry Library Edition
  (** Only available at the Spring Garden Road Public Library **)
  Ancestry Library Edition provides unprecedented access to family history via documents that record the lineage of over 5 billion individuals. Answers await users inside the more than 4,000 databases of family information covering Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and more.

Digital Collections

• Acadian Links
• African Heritage Month
• Books of Remembrance
• The Halifax Literary Walking Tour
• Halifax Explosion Links
• The Halifax Explosion: North Branch Memorial Library
• Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library - 50th Anniversary

Helpful Links