Local History
Indiana Room Collection
Explore the beautiful and historic Indiana Room at the Main Library. With bricks and keystones exposed from the original Carnegie Library, which opened in 1920, these walls are filled with state, regional, and local history connecting us all to our roots.
- Use the digital microfilm machines to research regional newspapers dating back to the late 1800s.
- Search through plat books, atlases, and historical maps
Explore Digital Resources
Similar to the collection located in the historic Indiana Room at the Main Library, customers are able to explore all types of local and genealogy history, 24 hours a day/7 days a week through the digital collection.
Browse local high school yearbooks dating back to 1902, see how property lines and geographic areas have shifted with the digital maps, and read stories of local history that make up the patchwork of our community.
Yearbooks
Belle Gunness
Veteran Stories
A comprehensive, categorized & cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online.
Discover your family’s story through historical records.
Research Your Family History
Genealogy and local history resources are available in our collections. Our research staff can teach you how to use these resources to their fullest potential. The largest collection of resources is located in the Indiana Room at the Main Library. For more information please call the Information Desk at 219-362-6156 ext. 101 or email help@laportelibrary.org
Staff can help you with your research and locate genealogical records or obituaries. Use our online form to complete your request.