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A family tree appears literally as a tree. Each leaf of the tree bears the name of a family member.

Genealogy Research at the Newberry

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Open to All

The Newberry's collections, programs, and exhibitions have been free and open to all since 1887. Curious people from all over visit to research topics of interest, discover their family history, take classes, or learn something new and unexpected.

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Upcoming Events

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Event—Public Programming

Almost Nothing: Reclaiming Edith Farnsworth

Jun 04, 2025

6:00pm–7:00pm

At the Newberry – Ruggles Hall

Event—Public Programming

Newberry 101: An Introduction to Research at the Newberry

Jun 07, 2025

9:30am–10:30am

At the Newberry – Baskes Hall

Event—Public Programming

Planting Seeds: An Indigenous Zine Fest

Jun 07, 2025

11:00am–4:00pm

At the Newberry – Ruggles Hall

Event—Public Programming

King Lear

Jun 14, 2025

10:00am–12:30pm

At the Newberry – Ruggles Hall

Event—Public Programming

American Voice: An Evening with Willa Cather

Jun 17, 2025

6:00pm–7:30pm

At the Newberry – Ruggles Hall

News

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to receive the Newberry Library Award

Professor Gates is a filmmaker and scholar who hosts the PBS program “Finding Your Roots.”

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On Our Blog

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Blog—Source Material

A Look Back on Maria Tallchief's Legacy

Blog—Source Material

Ledger Art Bridges Indigenous Histories and Contemporary Culture

Blog—Source Material

Star Wars in Navajo Has Deeper Meaning

Blog—Source Material

A Postcard Company's Secret World War II Mission

Our Collection Is Your Collection

Whether it's a letter from Michelangelo or a doodle drawn in a nineteenth-century textbook by a procrastinating student, primary sources bring the past to life in vivid detail. You’re free to explore these historic materials online or in person at the Newberry.

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Research Your Family History

The Newberry is a leading center of genealogy research. Wherever you are in the process of researching your family history, we can help.

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Digital Collections

View and download tens of thousands of high-resolution images from the Newberry collection.

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More than 600 years of human history are waiting to be discovered in the Newberry's reading rooms, exhibition galleries, classrooms, and event spaces.

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