Roots to the Past: Local History & Genealogy
Welcome to the Halifax Public Libraries’ local
history and genealogy resources. Check out our Virtual Archives, Tours, Genealogy Databases, Collections, and Local Heritage Resources to
discover your unique Nova Scotia
heritage.
Find a Local Group or Organization
Virtual Archives
- The Library and Community Archives NEW!
- Books of Remembrance
- The Halifax Explosion: North Branch Memorial Library
- Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library - 50th Anniversary
Tours
- Video Tour of Local History & Genealogy Service
- The Halifax Literary Walking Tour
- Titanic, the Halifax Connection (self-guided tour)
Genealogy Databases
- Ancestry Library Edition
Available at all library branches. Free access to Canadian, United States, United Kingdom and other international genealogical primary records. 
Routes to Your Roots
Routes to Your Roots provides access to the Historic Nova Scotia Vital Statistics database, surname settlement patterns, genealogy forums, trip planners, Nova Scotia archives, museums and libraries.
Local Heritage Resources
- Acadia and the Acadians (PDF)
- African Heritage
- Canadian Naval Centennial
- Black History & the War of 1812 (PDF)
L'histoire des Noirs & la guerre de 1812 (PDF) - Explosion In Halifax Harbour, December 6, 1917 (PDF)
- HRM Historic Communities (PDF)
- Lest We Forget
- Mi'kmaq Resources
- Researching Local History
- The Sinking of the Titanic (PDF)
- Starting Your Family Tree
Helpful Links
- General
- Canada
- Automated Genealogy (indices to 1901-1911 Canadian censuses)
- Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
- Genealogy and Family History (Library and Archives Canada)
- Images Canada
- Nova Scotia
- Halifax
- United States
