Connecting You to Alexandria’s Ancestral Stories
Historical Libraries | Central Louisiana
Cultural Time Capsule
EXTENSIVE Historical Libraries
Welcome to the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library, a beacon of culture, history, and learning since 1907. Our historic Beaux-Arts building, funded by S.S. Bryan and Andrew Carnegie reflect the city's dedication to public education and cultural enrichment. We house one of the largest genealogical collections in the state, offering extensive resources for both seasoned researchers and beginners. Join us in preserving and exploring the rich heritage of our community and beyond.
Historical Libraries
Discover the rich heritage and architectural beauty of our historical library, a cornerstone of Alexandria's cultural legacy since 1907.
Genealogical Library
Unlock your family's past with our extensive genealogical collections and expert research assistance, making history come alive.
Expert staff
Our expert staff is dedicated to guiding you through your genealogical and historical research, providing personalized assistance every step of the way.
Preserving Local Heritage
Our Historical Mission
Our mission at the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library is to promote interest and participation in genealogical and historical research. We provide educational support through workshops, lectures, and presentations, and help preserve valuable records. Our goal is to teach patrons how to use reference materials and online resources to restore and preserve their genealogical materials and family lineages. We strive to support and expand our collections, preserving the heritage and history of local families and communities.
discover our suite of
comprehensive Historical library resources
The Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library offers a wealth of resources, including extensive collections of books, periodicals, and family histories. Our library provides personalized research assistance and educational programs to help patrons effectively utilize these resources for their genealogical and historical research.
from past to present
Journey into Family History
The Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library is an invaluable resource for those tracing their ancestry. Situated in a historic building, it offers a vast array of genealogical materials. The library supports researchers with educational workshops and personalized assistance. Its mission is to help patrons uncover and preserve their family histories, ensuring that the stories of local families are not lost to time.
Explore the Rich Heritage of Alexandria
The building housing the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library started life as the Alexandria Public Library in 1907. Area businessman S.S. Bryan matched a $10,000 grant from Pittsburgh philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The funds were given for a free public library with the stipulation that the city provide a site and maintenance forever.
The building was constructed solely for the advancement of culture and learning. It was designed by the architectural firm Crosby & Henkel of New Orleans and built by the Caldwell Brothers.
In 1971, the Alexandria City Council adopted a resolution designating the building as the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum.
Remodeled in the 1970s and again in 2003, it now houses (upstairs) one of the largest genealogical libraries in the state. The Beaux Arts-style building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Uncovering Your Roots
A Treasure Trove for Genealogical Research
The Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library houses one of the largest genealogical collections in the state. Our extensive resources include books, periodicals, family histories, and various other materials valuable for genealogical research. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a beginner, our collections offer a wealth of information to help you uncover your family’s history. We are dedicated to preserving the genealogical heritage of local families and communities.
Navigating Our Collections
Expert Genealogy Support
Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you with your genealogical and historical research. We offer personalized support to help you navigate our extensive collections and make the most of our resources. Our staff can guide you in using reference materials, online databases, and other tools essential for genealogical research. We also offer workshops and lectures to enhance your research skills and knowledge.
Protecting Historical Records
Ensuring Longevity of Records
Preserving the past is a core mission of the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library. We are dedicated to maintaining and protecting our extensive collections of genealogical and historical materials. Our preservation efforts ensure that valuable records and documents are safeguarded for future generations. We also offer guidance to patrons on how to preserve their own family histories and genealogical materials.
From 1907 to Today
The Origins of Our Library
The Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1907. Originally constructed as the Alexandria Public Library, it was funded through the generosity of S.S. Bryan and Andrew Carnegie. Designed by the New Orleans architectural firm Crosby & Henkel, our building exemplifies Beaux-Arts architecture. Over the decades, it has undergone several renovations to preserve its historical integrity while modernizing its facilities.
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Discover Alexandria's History
Plan Your Visit today
We welcome you to visit the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and explore our rich collections. Our historic building offers a unique setting for research and learning. We are located in the heart of Alexandria and are open to the public during our regular hours. Plan your visit today and discover the wealth of resources available at our library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our services? We've provided answers to some of our most common inquiries.
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