Family History Index at Chelsea District Library

Access the Family History Index Online (in library)
Access the Family History Index Online (remote access)

In 2005, the library embarked on a project to digitize these records. Almost 50 volunteers have now entered information into an online database, which will provide search capabilities and images of obituary cards for those researching their family history. The database is available through the links above and is updated weekly.

Formerly known as the Obituary File, the Family History Index offers those seeking out family history an extensive and thorough historical collection of all those that died in Chelsea as far back as the early 1800s, including some from Ann Arbor, Jackson, and other surrounding locales.

Access to the records may also be obtained by visiting the library in person or sending a request by online form, by telephone to (734) 475-8732 or by mail to 221 S. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Started in the 1950s by community leader Harold A. Jones, the Family Index now holds entries in 50 drawers. Throughout his years, Jones often walked many of the western Washtenaw cemeteries, gathering information from gravestones and transcribing them onto index cards. The bulk of his collection was entrusted to the library upon his death in 1987.

Spearheaded by Betty Marsh, the Chelsea District Library's 2002 Volunteer of the Year, the collection has been completely updated and reorganized. Her efforts and the dedication of other volunteers, have created an extremely valuable resource for both the Chelsea community and genealogists around the country. Completed in 2004, the updated collection was celebrated with a talk by Library of Michigan genealogy specialist Carol Callard.

For more information about the Family Index, please call the Chelsea District Library at (734) 475-8732.

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