Preserving the Heritage of the Community
Covering six counties, we have a lot of local knowledge to share.
Dig deeper into your past by exploring the databases and websites recommended below for a wealth of information.
Special Library Collections
The Muskogee Public Library offers a specialized genealogy and local history collection.
Explore free local history books online
The Formation of the State of Oklahoma 1803-1906 (1917) by Roy Gittinger
Oklahoma: A Guide to the Sooner State (1941) from the WPA
Oklahoma Red Book Volume I (1912) compiled by W.B. Richards
Oklahoma Red Book Volume II (1912) compiled by W.B. Richards
Oklahoma Illustrated (1894) by O.C. Seely
A History of Oklahoma (1908) by Joseph B. Thoburn and Isaac Mason Holcomb
Ask a Genealogist
Questions? Call our Genealogy Department at Muskogee Public Library!
Genealogy Databases
These databases are of special interest to genealogists. Normally available with a subscription, they may be used for free with your library card.
Ancestry Library Edition
With 7 billion genealogical records from across the globe and millions of family trees, this is the world’s largest online family history resource.
Ordinarily, this resource can only be accessed in the library. However, during the Covid19 pandemic, EOLS patrons may use their library card and pin number to click here to use Ancestry from home.
Fold3
Provides access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.
Heritage Quest
Revolutionary War, Civil War, and US Congressional Serial Set, US Census reports, birth, death, and marriage records.
HistoryGeo.com
Displays original landowners of the continental United States according to state and federal records. At present covers 21 states and contains over 9 million records. Ever expanding collection of antique maps and atlases.
This resource can only be accessed in the library.
Proquest Historic Newspapers
Historical archives of the Chicago Defender, Nashville Tennessean and The New York Times.
Proquest History Vault
Digitized letters, papers, photographs, scrapbooks, diaries and more primary sources from the University Publications of America (UPA) collection.
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic conditions of the United States.
Digital Local Newspapers
Access World News
A comprehensive collection of reliable news sources covering a wide array of topics and issues.
Ft. Gibson Times
Searchable archives of Ft. Gibson Times from 2009 to 2014.
Grove Sun
Searchable archives of The Grove Sun from 2008 to present.
Muskogee Phoenix
Searchable archives of Muskogee Phoenix and Times-Democrat from 2004 to present.
Newspaper Archives of Eastern Oklahoma Library District
Collection of digitized microfilm from local newspapers across our six counties. Content is very limited but ranges from late 1800s to 2012. Newspapers are fully searchable by keyword and date, making it easy to quickly explore.
An account must be created to access content. Please select option for Free Membership to Eastern Oklahoma District Newspaper Archives.
Oklahoman Archives
Archives of articles from the Daily Oklahoman (September 1901 to present)
Proquest Historic Newspapers
Historical archives of the Chicago Defender, Nashville Tennessean and The New York Times.
Tahlequah Daily Press
Searchable archives of the Tahlequah Daily Press from 2006 to present.
Tulsa World
Searchable archives of the Tulsa World from 1989 to present.
Recommended Websites
Check out these great websites to discover family connections as well as the stories of Green Country’s people, places and events.
General Resources
Chronicling America – Select digital access to American newspapers 1880-1910 including 27 newspapers from Oklahoma.
FamilySearch – Genealogical site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Contains over 35 million names in its Ancestral File plus 360 million names in the International Genealogical Index. Oklahoma resources include county marriage records, Five Tribes Allotment applications, school census cards.
Find A Grave – Directory of the locations of graves for over 2.5 million memorials. Browse by name and locations. Includes photographs of many of the graves.
Local History
Muskogee County Genealogical Society – Genealogy and family history research for Muskogee County and Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Historical Society Research Library – Search census, marriage, divorce, prison, and death records.
Gateway to Oklahoma History – Browse through thousands of Oklahoma newspaper pages dating from the 1840s to the 1920, photographs and other documents.
Oklahoma State Archives – Collection of Oklahoma Confederate Pension applications including the form and correspondence.
Oklahoma Digital Prairie – Unique digital content spanning more than 100 years of rich, vibrant history from our State. Includes documents, photographs, newspapers, posters, maps and more.
Oklahoma Indian Pioneer Papers – Oral interviews conducted by the WPA with pioneers from all ethnic groups across Oklahoma. Headed by Grant Foreman of Muskogee and headquartered in Muskogee. Also available on microfilm at the Muskogee Library.
Chronicles of Oklahoma – The publication of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Also available at the Muskogee Library.
Muskogee Greenhill Cemetery – Established in the early 1900s, earlier graves were also moved to this location from the original city cemetery.
American Indian
Oklahoma Historical Society: American Indian Ancestry – Includes Dawes Rolls and allotment records and allotment maps for Muscogee Creek.
American Indian Records @ National Archives – Documents created by Federal agencies in the course of their daily business.
Bureau of Indian Affairs: Guide to Tracing American Indian Ancestry
Military
Oklahoma War Memorial Collection – Covers World War I to the Korean War
Veterans Nationwide Gravesite Locator – Search for burial locations of veterans in VA National and state cemeteries. Fort Gibson National Cemetery is located in Muskogee County and was the only National Cemetery in Oklahoma for many years. Fort Sill National Cemetery is now located near Lawton.
National Archives Military Records – Search for records pertaining to all US wars and branches of service.
Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System – Information on over 6 million soldiers, who served on both sides during the Civil War. Also includes information on battles, regiments, prisoners, and medals of honor.