The theme for Week 19 is “At the Library.” Any librarians in the family tree? What about a fantastic find you’ve made at the library? This is a good week to write about it.
Discover Your Roots in the Michigan Room: A Treasure Trove for Genealogy Enthusiasts
Are you curious about your family history? Looking to explore the stories, records, and milestones that make up your ancestry? Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience in genealogical research, the Michigan Room at the St. Clair County Library System’s Port Huron Library is your essential destination.
What is the Michigan Room?
Located on the lower level of the Main Library, the Michigan Room houses the most extensive collection of local history and genealogy resources in the entire SCCLS system. While some materials can be found at local branches, the Michigan Room is the central hub for in-depth research, rare documents, and historical gems specific to St. Clair County and Michigan history.
Please note: The Michigan Room’s collection is non-circulating, which means materials stay in the room to ensure preservation and availability for all researchers. Staff are available to assist you with your genealogy and local history questions during regular hours.
What Will You Find?
The Michigan Room offers a wealth of genealogical and historical resources, including:
Vital Records & Indexes
- Death Indexes (bound copies and on michiganology.org)
- Microfilm Records (St. Clair County: death 1868–1904, marriage 1838–1907, birth indexes 1873–1874)
- Obituaries (clippings from 1975–2011, with indexes for earlier dates)
- Cemetery Records and Lakeside Cemetery Burial Permits (1935–1989)
Family History & Newspapers
- Local newspapers on microfilm (indexed 1844-1939)
- Family histories, scrapbooks, and yearbooks
- Lineage books from the DAR
Maps, Directories, and Land Records
- City/county directories, phone books
- Property research guides and plat atlases
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Digital & On-Site Databases
Even in the digital age, the Michigan Room stays current. Visitors have on-site access to:
- Ancestry Library Edition
- MyHeritage Library Edition via mel.org
- FamilySearch.org (as an official Family Search Affiliate Library, we offer access to additional restricted records)
- Michigan Historic Newspapers searchable newspaper database covering Port Huron 1910-present
Getting Started
Not sure where to begin? The Michigan Room also provides:
- Genealogy charts and forms (printed and digital)
- Staff assistance to guide your research path
- Helpful online resources—check out our website under Services > Local History and Genealogy
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you're building your family tree, writing a local history, or just curious about your roots, the Michigan Room is here to help you uncover the past. With thousands of records, maps, directories, and expert staff guidance, it’s the perfect place to make your discoveries come to life.
Call (810) 987-7323 x2525 to plan your visit.
Your family story is waiting. Let the Michigan Room help you find it.