History & Biography Databases

What is it? Biographies, obituaries, and photographs of thousands of individuals – both living and deceased. Biographies Plus Illustrated contains the full text of the articles from more than 100 volumes of biographical reference books published by H. W. Wilson, plus thousands of profiles licensed from other respected publishers; updated monthly. For more information, see this INFOhio video overview, or this 7-min. YouTube video.

Why use it? Find multiple sketches of the subject's life and accomplishments. Search by time period, profession, place of origin, and birth and death dates. View digital images for many of the subjects.

What is it? OPLIN's ever-expanding directory of Ohio-specific websites and links.

Why use it? Find Ohio-focused websites by category or by county.

What is it? Database containing death certificates of persons that died in Ohio from 1913-1937.

Why use it? Use the index information to help in obtaining a copy of particular death certificates.

What is it? An evolving, dynamic online encyclopedia from the Ohio Historical Society.

Why use it? Find information, images, timelines, maps, and documents about Ohio’s history, geography, geology, animals, and American Indian populations.

What is it? Project to bring together digital versions of historical collections from more than 330 archives, historical societies, libraries, and museums.

Why use it? Search or browse more than 26,000 primary sources dating from prehistory to the present. Take the Ohio Memory Challenge. Read essays about Ohio topics. Create your own scrapbook.

What is it? Large scale street plans – including building outlines, property boundaries, and building use - produced by the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company from 1867 to 1970

Why use it? Locate buildings and neighborhoods. See a neighborhood "as it was". Study the growth of towns and cities. Identify the impact of new developments.