Uncovering Your Ancestry: A Guide to Genealogy Resources at the Billings Public Library
The Billings Public Library in Montana serves as a valuable resource for individuals tracing their family history. With a rich collection of historical records and online databases, the library offers a comprehensive suite of tools for genealogical research. This article details the resources available, from vital statistics indexes to digital archives of the Billings Gazette.
Vital Statistics and Historical Indexes
Researchers can access vital statistics indexes dating back to 1882, compiled from early Billings newspapers including the Billings Gazette, Billings Post, and Billings Herald. These indexes, containing over 13,000 names, document births, deaths, marriages, divorces, voter registrations, and other significant life events. Indexes are available alphabetically by last name in PDF format, categorized as follows:
- A – C
- D – F
- G – I
- J – L
- M – O
- P – R
- S – T
- U – W
- X – Z
Billings Gazette Archives
The Billings Public Library provides access to extensive archives of the Billings Gazette, spanning several eras:
- Recent Editions (2013-2025): Digital archives of the Billings Gazette are available through the Advantage Preservation portal, with ongoing quarterly expansions. Currently, the archive contains 192,412 pages.
- Early Editions (1929-2021): A separate collection within the Advantage Preservation portal includes 28,872 pages from 1929 to 2021.
- Historic Pages (1899-1909): Researchers can explore historic newspaper pages from 1899-1909 through Chronicling America, a service of the Library of Congress.
- Mid-20th Century Indexes (1930s-1940s): Scanned indexes from the Billings Gazette covering the 1930s and 1940s are too available.
Additional Genealogy Resources
Beyond the Billings Gazette archives, the Billings Public Library offers a range of other resources for genealogical research:
- HeritageQuest Online: Access books, census records, local histories, and Revolutionary War records.
- Ancestry Library Edition: Available for use within the main library.
- Early Billings City Directories: Records of residents and businesses from 1883-1904.
- Montana & Yellowstone County Resources: Links to historic Montana newspapers archived at the Library of Congress.
- Genealogy Forms: Downloadable pedigree charts and family group records.
Accessing the Library’s Resources
The Billings Public Library is dedicated to embracing, empowering, and enriching the community. For more information about genealogy resources and other library services, visit the Billings Public Library website or contact the library directly. The library also offers a variety of programs and events, including tech help and access to streaming services like Hoopla and MontanaLibrary2Go.