Genealogy and Local History

Our Mission

The Otis Library Local History & Genealogy Section provides a collection of books, microforms, photographs, serials and written and pictorial pamphlet file materials with an emphasis on New London County history and families, focusing especially on Norwich.


  • The collection includes a significant body of material on Norwich historic homes and architecture, industrial history and diverse cultural heritage.
  • The collection is a dynamic one, adding and expanding resources.
  • The collection is open to the public during regular library hours with Reference Department staff providing assistance in the use of materials and equipment.

Genealogy Questions
ref@otis.lioninc.org

Our Collection
• Family genealogies • Genealogy magazines, newsletters
• New London County Town Histories • Early marriage records
• Norwich Vital Records: to 1848 • Norwich newspapers: 1773-1865; 1900-1936
• Ethnic heritage information • Local firearms makers
• Norwich City Directories: 1847-1989 • Norwich Free Academy yearbooks
• Heraldry, armory • Barbour Collection (in progress)
• Connecticut military service lists • Boston Transcript
• American Genealogical Biographical Index:170 volumes • New London County Census-microfilm:
1790-1930 (excluding 1890)
• Benedict Arnold collection • Industrial histories
• Connecticut Indians • Hale Cemetery Records: 1934
• Norwich historic homes & house histories • Black Roots in Southeastern Connecticut
• Norwich Bulletin: microfilm 1900 - 1949 • Norwich BulletinIndex: 1865-1940
•Sanborn Fire Ins. Maps of Norwich: 1885-1935


Ancestry Services
• Obituary searches: (1-3) for 10.00
• $.15 per page for photocopies
• List of professional genealogists willing to research area families
• Due to budgetary cuts our Genealogist position has been eliminated. We will try our best to refer you to an appropriate Professional Researcher that can help you with your query.
• Referrals (including to City Historian)
• Census microfilm rental program
• Inter-library Loan: fees may apply

Other Sites

Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
(860) 566-4777
Vital records after 1865, maps, primary sources,
manuscripts, photographic archives family Bibles,
Federal Census Records, Soundex, Indian papers

Norwich City Clerk's Office
Norwich City Hall
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
(860) 823-3759
Vital, probate, tax, land and court records,
military discharges, cemetery index

Norwich Department of Public Works
Parks & Cemetery Division
Mohegan Park, Norwich, Connecticut 06360
(860) 823-3798
Cemetery Records

Rose City Genealogy Club
160 Laurel Hill
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
(860) 886-4636
www.rosecitygenealogy.org
info@rosecitygenealogy.org

Norwich Historical Society, Inc.
William Champagne, President
(860) 889-9451
www.norwichhistoricalsociety.org

Family History Center
1230 Flanders Road
Mystic, Connecticut 06355
(860) 536-5102
Call for hours

D.A.R. - Faith Trumbull Chapter
Rockwell House & Museum
42 Rockwell Street
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
Call for hours

Bureau of Indian Affairs
Interior Department
Main Interior Building
18th and C Streets NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
(202) 208-3711
Indian genealogy

Society of Founders of Norwich
Christoper Leffingwell House Museum
348 Washington Street
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
(860) 889-9440
Call for hours and information

Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.
G. W. Blunt White Library
Mystic, Connecticut 06355
(860) 572-5367
www.mysticseaport.org
Maritime histories

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