Farwell T. Brown Photo Archive
The images in this unique photo archive are from Farwell T. Brown's lifetime collection of original photographs, postcards, advertisements, and news articles which chronicle the history of Ames, Iowa.
Farwell T. Brown Photographic Archive >>
The Heritage Room
Ames Public Library has more local history resources — including yearbooks — in the Heritage Room on the second floor.
More about The Heritage Room >>
Ames Tribune Archive
Search issues of the Ames Tribune and Ames Intelligencer dating back to 1877 online for free!
Ames Tribune Archive >>
Local History Resources
Ames History Lectures
Find out about Ames History Museum's lecture series and see recorded presentations at www.amespubliclibrary.org/HistoryLectures
Local Genealogy Resources
Genealogy Plus Events
Learn about this year's series of Genealogy Plus presentations and workshops at www.amespubliclibrary.org/GenealogyPlus.
Upcoming History & Genealogy Events
Experience the precursor to cinema and moving pictures! Historian Mike Zahs and librarian Elizabeth Riordan will present a free, live Magic Lantern show at the Library.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Run into a brick wall? Not sure where to start researching your roots?
Stop by this meetup of local genealogists to get help with research, software and writing your family story.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
From 1863 through 1865, African Americans fought on the side of the Union Army in regiments known as the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Among their ranks were ancestors of Iowa State Representative Ross Wilburn.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Premium Online Genealogy Resources
Advantage Archives
Advantage Archives provides free online access to local history, making it discoverable and easily accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time, on any device.
Ancestry Library Edition
ProQuest has partnered with Ancestry.com to create Ancestry Library, one of the most important genealogical collections available today with unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom. Its valuable content is a strong complement to HeritageQuest Online. In Library Use Only.
Family Search
Discover your family’s story through historical records. With Family Search's collection of billions of records, you can piece together your ancestors’ history and bring their stories to life.
Affiliate Library access in library only.
Heritage Quest Online
Find ancestors and relatives in the complete set of the U.S. Federal Census Records from 1790-1940. Also find information on people and places in over 25,000 family and local histories.