We have an extensive Local History/Genealogy collection. If you are interested in conducting local history or genealogy research, we will be happy to assist you.
Whether you are coming in from out of town or are local, we encourage you to contact us ahead of time to set up an appointment or to have materials gathered prior to your visit. Short, factual requests and obituary requests (when an exact date is known) can be made online by completing a research request form.
While many items cannot be taken out of the library, copies or scans can be made. The library owns microfilm for the following newspapers and years:
In addition, the above newspapers, through 1980, are searchable at Advantage Archives website.
Other resources for newspapers include the CT Digital Newspaper Project and Chronicling America (which includes the New Haven Journal-Courier, 1880-1908). All Connecticut residents have access to a selection of current and historical newspapers, including the Hartford Courant, 1764-1922, through researchITCT.
The library has a large collection of information on Branford town and family history including:
The library has a large collection of archives that include letters, diaries, articles, family papers, business papers, ledgers, information on clubs and organizations and much more.
In addition to the library’s archives, the Historical Society’s archives are also at the library. There is an index/finding list available; if you are interested in additional information about this collection, please contact the Reference Department at 203-488-1441, ext. 318 or send an email to reference@blackstone library.org.
Ancestry Library, American Ancestors, and the Godfrey Library (click on Content for Members) can be searched from a library computer or from a personal laptop while inside the library. Heritage Hub can also be searched while in the library and Blackstone Library cardholders can access this database from home. In addition, the Blackstone Library is a Family Search affiliate library; certain items not available when accessing Family Search from home (if you see a lock symbol) can usually be viewed when at the library.
The library has a collection of general histories of other Connecticut towns and selected newspaper clippings from Branford newspapers (various years). You can search Advantage Archives with Branford-related newspaper clippings (1878 to 1980). Click here to search our catalog for specific titles or subjects, see our list of local history resources and view our guide to Researching Your Branford Ancestor.
In addition, we have a website listing Connecticut Genealogy and Local History Resources as well as General Genealogy Resources.
