What Makes Us Different?
Our collection includes but is not limited to:
- The PULLMAN COLLECTION of employee records
- Cemetery Master Index of 93 area cemeteries, containing over 62,500 names
- Chicago City Directories* 1871-1917, 1923, 1928-1929
- Oak Forest Hospital Cemetery records 1910-1971
- Blue Island Sun Obituaries Index 1919-1969
- Calumet City Naturalization records 1906-1954
- Calumet City Burial Permit records c. 1925-1941
- Records of several local funeral homes*
- Acme Steel Newsletters 1926-32, 1935-50, 1954-61
- Hammond City Directories* 1943-1974
- 600+ family histories*
- Selected funeral homes’ records
- County Histories and Atlases*
- Church histories and records*
- High School yearbooks*
- Regional telephone directories*
- Local area information files
- Microform and CD materials*
* see our online catalog
Library visitors have access to:
FamilySearch — SSGHS is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, providing access to millions of records including additional digital records and images not available outside a FamilySearch Family History Center or an Affiliate Library. When you are inside the SSGHS Library using your own computer, you will be able to access the “locked” records at FamilySearch.org.
Ancestry Library Edition — When you are inside the SSGHS Library, you may access Ancestry Library Edition using your own computer. Ancestry Library Edition delivers census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more. Content is from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more. This resource is provided through the generosity of one of our members.
Our helpful Library Volunteers are genealogists themselves, and are happy to assist you.
2022-2023 Membership Year
Our 2022-2023 Membership Year runs from September 2022 to August 2023. Click here to join, or to renew your current membership. (You may print, complete and mail a membership form along with your check, or you may join or renew online by using PayPal.)
Upcoming Events
Our online Events Calendar lists all society programs, classes, Special Interest Groups, and other activities.
Programs: We offer ten monthly programs each year. Please click here to download and print a list.
A Writers’ Group is a members-only Special Interest Group.
We offer Genealogy Classes for a nominal fee. Click here for a description and information on how to register.
- Sat., Feb. 18: Researching African American Genealogy
- Thurs., March 20: Introduction to Family History
- Thurs., April 20: U.S. and State Census Records
- Thurs., May 18: Vital Records
- Thurs., June 15: Using Ancestry Library Edition
- Thurs., July 20: Using FamilySearch.
During the summer months, join us for Library After Hours. At this loosely structured session, we’ll talk about genealogy; how to use the SSGHS Library; and more.
SSGHS Library
Our SSGHS Library is a non-profit 501(c)3, non-circulating reference and research library that is open to the public. The Library contains more than 14,000 books and items for the United States as well as many other countries. Our card catalog is online (see top of page).
COVID note: We follow State of Illinois protocols. At this time, wearing masks is optional.
Journal
Where The Trails Cross, The Journal of the South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society, is published twice a year. Volume 53:1 (Fall/Winter 2022) is in progress and will be posted soon in the members-only area.
