LONG ISLAND HISTORY
Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University: The various collections within the Institute include the Nassau County Museum’s Reference Collection, Hofstra University’s James N. MacLean American Legion Memorial Collection, as well as other collections donated by individual Long Island families and businesses. These resources constitute a rich repository for local history research.
Nassau County Photo Archives Center- Collection of Nassau County Photographs dating from 1870-1970.
NY Heritage: Portal to historic photos, postcards, and documents from various regions of New York State including Long Island.
NEWSPAPERS
Bellmore Life: This publication covers news from Bellmore and North Bellmore from 1964-2013.
Bellmore Herald Life: This publication covers news from Bellmore and North Bellmore from 2013 to 2019.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle Online: Digitized newspapers (including coverage of Bellmore), 1841-1955, from the Brooklyn Public Library.
Historical Newsday- Includes full page and article images with searchable full text issues from 1940 through 1985. *Please note: A Bellmore Library card is required to access this database.
NY State Historic Newspapers: Includes historic newspapers such as the South Side Messenger which covered Bellmore and Smithville South news from 1908 to 1915.
MAPS
Historic Map Works – Gateway to historical maps from all over the world. Viewing maps is free. There is a charge to obtain prints.
Maps of New York City and State: Digitized maps from the New York Public Library collection.
Old Maps Online – Gateway to historical maps from all over the world. Viewing maps is free. There is a charge to obtain prints.
GENEALOGY
Ancestry.com: Diverse index comprised of census data, vital records, directories, photos etc. from North America, the UK, Europe, Australia and more. *Please note: The Bellmore Memorial Library only provides on-site access to this database.
FamilySearch: Search for a deceased ancestor in historical records to uncover vital information from their life.
HeritageQuest– Search US and Canadian census records, mortality schedules, city directories, family and local history books and US Obituaries.*Please note: A Bellmore Library card is required to access this database.
Long Island Genealogy: Long Island family histories.
Long Island Genealogy Federation: Member groups assist researchers in various topics including general family history research and tracing specific ethnic or geographic origins. The Federation presents genealogy programs at local public libraries and publishes a monthly calendar listing the meetings of its member organizations.
The National Archives: Includes genealogical, military, naturalization and immigration records.