Genealogy Resources in Beaumont, Texas

Exciting things await genealogists in Beaumont, Texas inside the walls of Tyrrell Historical Library. This place is a virtual treasure trove of historical collections. The Tyrrell Historical Library has a long history in Beaumont, beginning in 1903 as a church, and the archival materials on hand reflect that rich, historical presence. The Tyrrell Historical Library has many resources available for both the amateur and professional genealogist. Here's a look at some of what they offer.

Microfilm machines - Some of the data at the library has been preserved via microfilm. Patrons of the library will find U.S. Census data for years 1700-1920 available on microfilm and in index form. Some of the years are complete and others are works in progress. The completed years are 1790-1850. Patrons can also find some family histories already on microfilm as well as other collections such as The Magna Carta Barons and their descendants and the AGLL Catalog.

Computers with Internet access - This is a useful tool because patrons can use the library's password to log on to family research sites just as Ancestry.com and access the site's databases without being an at-home subscriber to the services. Patrons can also access genealogy resources from other libraries using The Tyrrell's password also - another resource amateur genealogists may not have access to at home.

Books, Books, Books - The library's shelves are lined with every kind of book imaginable. Some of them are great research tools that offer useful information about particular family lines, historical events, wars, and early settlers of various areas in the country. Others are just fun to look at.

Personal papers and collections - Diaries, wills, deeds, Bibles, scrapbooks, photographs, and other historical ephemera donated by families

African American collections - Histories, artifacts, personal stories, rosters, and other useful information pertaining to the African American family lineages

Civil War - An extensive collection of Civil War information, photographs, diaries, and company information

City Directories 1900-present - Sorted both by address and alphabetically

Pictures - Thousands of photographs of the city of Beaumont from the 1800s through the present

These items are just a sampling of the tools that are available to family researchers in Beaumont, Texas. In addition to the aforementioned items, The Tyrrell Historical Library has traveling exhibits each month that showcase different families, industries, eras, and businesses. Also each month various research groups hold workshops for amateur researchers to get their questions answered and other helpful information. You do not need a membership to access any of The Tyrrell's resources.

There are some caveats to be aware of if you're planning to visit The Tyrrell Historical Library. Pens are frowned upon. Pencils are available on all the tables to encourage patrons to use them in lieu of pens. While there isn't a 'No Kids' policy at The Tyrrell, it really isn't a kid-friendly place. You can bring them, yes - but be prepared for dirty looks from the staff. Speaking of the staff, there are some very lovely, albeit very over-protective, aged ladies who oversee the library that want to constantly make sure you're not doing harm to their precious charges..so expect a lot of nosing around. Please don't re-shelve the books. Place what you've used on the carts at the end of the shelves when you are finished and one of the aforementioned ladies will put them back for you. Copy machines are available for a fee, but due to the fragile nature of some of the materials, not all of the materials at the library are able to withstand being copied. Finally, while the building itself is a work of Gothic art - complete with turrets and wooden staircases that may call your name, be advised that most of the upper levels are totally off-limits to library patrons and the ladies do not take kindly to people sneaking under the ropes and going up the stairs. The Tyrrell is handicapped accessible, complete with an elevator to the part of the second floor that's open to the public.

Tyrrell Historical Library
695 Pearl
Beaumont, Texas
409-833-2759
Monday through Saturday 9am-6pm