Genealogy

Resources

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  Directories

  We have directories from 1882 to 1996, located in the Reading Room in books and microfilm. Bound books are available for most years. Our microfilm is complete to 1929.

  Use the directories to determine names, addresses, years of residency, and occupations of Vancouver residents. We also have some BC directories from 1860 to 1948.

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  Mountain View Cemetery records

  We have cemetery records from 1887 to 1965, located in the Reading Room on microfilm.

  Use these records to determine name, age, birthplace, burial date, cause of death, and more. For a description of the records and a guide to their access, see the finding aid for series 152 (Health).

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  Voters' lists

  We have voters' lists from 1886 to 1992, located in the Reading Room on microfiche and in storage.

  Use voters' lists to verify Vancouver residence of men and women who were eligible to vote.

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  News clippings

  We have news clippings from 1860 to 2007 that cover information on individuals, businesses, organizations, industries, issues, events, and more. There are three main collections, each with its own alphabetical sequence and subject headings.

  The Archives also has limited runs of full issues for some local newspapers on microfilm and hardcopy from 1872 to 2004.

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  Private-sector records

  The Archives holds private-sector records dating from 1870 to the present day. These records, identified by “AM” (or formerly Add. MSS, for “Additional Manuscripts”) are records obtained by the Archives through private donation, and include records of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Search record descriptions through our online database, or take a look at hard-copy finding aids available in our Reading Room.

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  Photographs

  We have photographs from 1860 to present day.

  Use both private-sector and City records to locate images of people, houses and other buildings, streets, and neighbourhoods. Many of our images have also been digitized and can be viewed and downloaded directly from our database.

  Learn more about downloading a digital copy.

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  Books

  We have a small number of books from 1890 to the present, that complement our holdings. These are located in our Reference Library.