Family History Collection

Clayton Library has one of the most extensive collections of published and unpublished family histories in the southern United States. The collection contains over 15,000 cataloged volumes and extensive vertical file materials.

Family histories have traditionally been located in the the Clayton House. While the Clayton House is undergoing restoration work the materials have been relocated to the second floor of the main building. Books, vertical file materials, and family lineage charts are arranged alphabetically by the primary family. Donations to the Family History collection are welcomed.

To search for cataloged books in Clayton's Family History collection, check the Houston Public Library Catalog. For best results, search for your surname as a subject heading phrase (example: "Watkins Family") in the Keyword Search window. Books will be shelved by the first surname in the title.

For family histories on microfilm, search the Clayton Microprint Finding Aids and browse by surname.