Local History/Genealogy

Local History and Genealogy

St. Martin Parish Library maintains Louisiana and Genealogy collections of local resources, microfilm and other materials that can help with your search into the past.  The Genealogy collections are available for use in the Library only. The Louisiana collection is a circulating collection, available for in-house use by visitors and available for check out by St. Martin Parish Library card holders.

St. Martin Parish Oral History Project

St. Martin Parish Library began an Oral History project in 2018. St. Martin Parish Library is interested in researching and documenting the history of citizens of St. Martin Parish. We feel that it is our responsibility to meet and record interviews with older members of the community who have interesting and historical facts to share.

Anyone interested in being interviewed or working on this project should contact Patricia GuteKunst by phone at 337-394-2207 Ext. 217 or by email at pgutekunst@stmartinparishlibrary.org. To learn more about our Oral History Project, click here .

The Hazel Sockridder Duchamp Room

The St. Martinville Branch Library houses the Genealogy and Louisiana collections in the Hazel Sockridder Duchamp room.  Mrs. Duchamp was St. Martin Parish Library’s first Director; thanks to her interest in genealogy and Louisiana history, we have available varied and unique collections.  When the St. Martinville Branch Library was built in 1994, the Louisiana Room was named in her honor.  St. Martin Parish Library’s main collection of genealogy, the Evangeline Collection of rare and old books, and related items are housed in this room. The Library continues to add to the collection she began.  Located to your left as you enter the St. Martinville Branch Library, the Hazel Sockridder Duchamp Room is behind the quiet reading area and the adult fiction shelving.

Click here for a detailed summary of items available in the Hazel Sockridder Duchamp room.

Breaux Bridge Branch Genealogy and Louisiana Room

In the Breaux Bridge Branch Library, our Genealogy and Louisiana collections are housed in the Genealogy Room. This is our newest Library building having been opened in 2015. This collection includes a complete set of the Rev. Donald Hebert books, Southwest Louisiana Records and South Louisiana Records. The Archdiocese of New Orleans Records and the Baton Rouge Diocese are also available for in-house use. As in the Hazel Sockridder Duchamp room, various local histories and local genealogies are available in the Genealogy room of the Breaux Bridge Branch Library. Additionally, a copy of archived issues of the Teche News from Sept. 1948 through Mar. 2008, which have been scanned to cd, are available in the Breaux Bridge Branch Library. These cds may be transferred to any other branch for patron viewing.

Also located in this room is a Miscellaneous File cabinet. This red file cabinet houses pamphlets that are no longer published and belong to the Library.  The Miscellaneous File may also contain other materials as determined by Cataloging.

The pamphlets were originally housed at the various branches. All pamphlets are now housed in Breaux Bridge Miscellaneous File. The pamphlets’ records are in the Card Catalog and their location is indicated on the record. To perform a search of the card catalog for all items stored as a Miscellaneous File, search for “Subjects” = “miscellaneous file”.

Pamphlets that have a call number are filed by call number.  Pamphlets without call numbers are filed in front of pamphlets with call numbers. Pamphlets are filed in individual hanging file folders except for duplicates which are filed together.

Patrons may use the pamphlets in the Library.  As the pamphlets have no barcodes, patrons cannot check out the material. Staff will periodically check the files for misfiled items.

Cecilia Branch and Parks Branch

Various local histories and local genealogies are available in the Cecilia Branch Library and the Parks Branch Library.  The collection in Cecilia also contains volumes by Rev. Donald Hebert.

Intralibrary Loan

Any Genealogy volume that is available in one library branch can be transferred to another library branch for in-house viewing. A member of the library staff can arrange this service on your behalf.

Drop-in and Scheduled Guidance

Have a research question or need guidance to get started? Our Library staff can provide research guidance.

Staff will explain to patrons what is available in the collection and how to use the microform machine, computer databases, printer, scanner, and photocopier. Staff can assist the patron in locating and using library materials; however, library staff cannot do research for patrons or complete family trees. Library staff can respond to only the most specific requests. We cannot compile lineages, determine parentage, locate missing persons, or undertake extensive copying or scanning projects from books or microfilm.

Library staff member Patricia GuteKunst is a genealogy specialist and local historian. She is available for one-on-one or small group help to show you how to use local resources and point out additional options to consider when researching your family history.

Distance Research Assistance

If you live out of town, or are unable to come in and use our Genealogy and Louisiana collections yourself, we do offer some basic research services. Keep in mind that time and staff constraints prevent us from assisting in detailed or large projects.

Requests may be submitted via postal mail, by phone, or via our online “Ask a Librarian” form.  Requests should be specific in nature. General requests may be returned without action. As much detail as possible should be included with the request: i.e. birth/death date, spouse or children’s names, etc.

The St. Martin Parish Library does not charge for research assistance. However, standard St. Martin Parish Library copy charges will apply:

• 10 cents per page for photocopies
• No charge for scans/e-mails
•  If you send your request in the mail, please do NOT send money with your request. Staff will notify you of the correct amount needed to fulfill your request.

To submit an inquiry via postal mail, use the following address: St. Martin Parish Library, Attn: P. GuteKunst, 201 Porter Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582

To submit an inquiry by phone, call 337-394-2207, ext. 217.

To submit an inquiry via our online, complete our “Ask a Librarian” form.

Genealogy Databases

St. Martin Parish Library subscribes to two online genealogy databases available at no charge to St. Martin Parish Library card holders. These are HeritageQuestOnline and Ancestry Library Edition. These databases can be accessed via our Databases page.

HeritageQuestOnline

With over 28,000 books currently available, the entire U.S. Federal Census, PERSI™, Freedman’s Bank Records, Revolutionary War Pension Records, and other expanding collections, HeritageQuest Online is designed specifically for patrons in public libraries who are either just beginning their family research or who after years of work are still uncovering their past. Heritage Quest Online is available to users in the library or at their home, with a valid library card.

Ancestry Library Edition

Provides Access to thousands of databases of genealogical and historical information. Ancestry database is available for use in the library building only.

Start on Your Own with our Genealogy Resource Guide

The Library has created a Genealogy Resource Guide to help users start working on their own.  This guide contains information on helpful databases, suggested websites, and other useful tips to help users begin their research projects.

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*Dates subject to cancellation. Call branch to confirm specific dates.*