Ongoing Book Sale! Fill a bag for $2.00!
The Story of Petersburg
Before Hallettsville, there was Petersburg
2021 is the 175th Anniversary of Lavaca County. In honor of that, here is the story of the first County Seat of Lavaca County in words and pictures.
Local History & Genealogy Services
The Historic Photography Collection
Genealogy and Local History Research Links
The Historic Photography Collection
is comprised of over 2000 photographs of people, places and events in Lavaca County history.
The collection also includes the largest collection of photographs by the late H.J. Braunig and his partner Pius Fey.
Together and separately, Fey and Braunig used their camera lens to capture the history of Hallettsville and Lavaca County for over 50 years.
Also available are rural school photographs and historic postcards.
Family & Community Histories
Genealogy and Local History Research Links
The Historic Photography Collection
Our extensive vertical file collection includes family surname files, church and fraternal records, obituaries, cemetery records and funeral notices, scrapbooks and miscellaneous materials.
Genealogy and Local History Research Links
Genealogy and Local History Research Links
Genealogy and Local History Research Links
Maps
Microfilm Collection
Genealogy and Local History Research Links
Historic maps are also available. The map collection includes appraisal maps, Sanborn Fire maps on microfilm, topography maps, and copies of historic Lavaca County maps from the collection of the Texas General Land office in Austin, Texas.
Microfilm Collection
Microfilm Collection
Microfilm Collection
The microfilm collection includes census records, Lavaca County records, military records, church records and the mainstay of the collection our historic newspaper microfilm including English and foreign language newspapers.
Here is a link to our Microfilm Holdings
After Hours
Microfilm Collection
Microfilm Collection
The After Hours Genealogy is two hours each month where genealogists, historians and researchers can visit the library and have all of the resources in our collection available to them including individualized assistance from our local history staff.
While public access computers can be used, wifi is available so participants are
encouraged to bring their laptops, tablets or any other electronic devices.
Visitors have access to all of the materials in the local history/genealogy department as well as popular electronic databases. This program has proven to be an excellent opportunity for networking and problem solving.
For more information on this program, please call 361-798-3243 ext. 200, email us at fsmlib.director@gmail.com or visit the library during regular business hours.