Research Repositories – Fort Worth & Dallas Area

(Verify hours close to the conference; schedules can change.)

The Fort Worth-Dallas metroplex and the surrounding area is home to a number of major  repositories and other resources for genealogical research, including NARA Fort Worth and the Dallas Public Library, recognized by Family Tree Magazine as one of the top genealogy repositories in America. Consider spending an extra day or two to take advantage of these resources to help with your research.

Below is a brief guide to major libraries and archives, including locations, hours, and contact information. Please verify current hours and appointment requirements before visiting.

Dallas Public Library – Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Genealogy Collection

One of the largest public genealogy collections in the United States, with extensive books, periodicals, microfilm/microfiche, maps, and vertical files covering all U.S. states and many foreign countries. Researchers also have in‑library access to subscription databases such as Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, GenealogyBank, HistoryGeo, and historical newspaper collections.

  • Location: J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 8th Floor (Genealogy & History)
    1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201
  • Hours (Central Library): Mon closed; Tue & Thu 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Wed & Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat & Sun 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Contact: 214‑670‑1433; genealogy@dallaslibrary.org
  • Website: https://www.dallaslibrary.org → Research → Genealogy

National Archives at Fort Worth (NARA Fort Worth)

Regional center for federal records relating to Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, including court records, federal land and homestead files, Indian agency records, military and civilian federal agency records, and microfilm publications of nationwide interest. The research room offers access to microfilm readers and public access computers (with USB ports for saving copies) by appointment.

  • Location: 1400 John Burgess Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76140
  • Hours: Research room open by appointment only, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Contact: 817‑551‑2051; fax 817‑551‑2034; ftworth.archives@nara.gov
  • Website: https://www.archives.gov/fort-worth

Fort Worth Public Library – Genealogy Unit

Genealogy collection emphasizing southern and midwestern states and the original thirteen colonies, with limited but useful materials for Great Britain and Western Europe. Holdings include more than 40,000 volumes, about 9,500 rolls of microfilm (U.S. census and city directories), and approximately 180,000 microfiche, supported by a full‑time genealogist and staff assistance.

Fort Worth History Center (City of Fort Worth Archives)

Formerly the Genealogy, Local History & Archives Department, now operating as the Fort Worth History Center at a new location. The archives focus on Fort Worth and Tarrant County regional history, municipal records, yearbooks, maps, local history books, and digital archives, with more than 19,000 items across at least 56 collections.

Tarrant County Archives

County archives preserving more than 600 collections documenting Tarrant County history, including documents, photographs, scrapbooks, land records, maps, school census records, abstracts of probate and title company records, and indexes useful for local family history. The Archives does not hold birth, adoption, divorce, or death records, but has significant pre‑1900 marriage records and related materials.

  • Location: Tarrant County Plaza Building
    200 Taylor Street, Suite 5200, Fort Worth, TX 76196
  • Hours: Walk‑in researchers Tue–Fri, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; appointments required on Mondays.
  • Contact: 817‑884‑3272; archives@tarrantcountytx.gov
  • Website: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/tarrant-county-archives.html

UTA Libraries – Special Collections (Arlington)

University of Texas at Arlington Special Collections houses local and regional manuscripts, photographs, maps, Texas Labor Archives, and other thematic collections relevant to North Texas, including Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

  • Location: UTA Central Library, 6th Floor
    702 Planetarium Place, Arlington, TX 76019
  • Hours: Tue–Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; appointments not required but advance notice encouraged.
  • Contact: 817‑272‑3393; spcoref@uta.edu
  • Website: https://libraries.uta.edu/special-collections

Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society

Nonprofit educational organization founded in 1974 to document and share African American history in Tarrant County. Collections include photographs, documents, research files, and oral histories that are particularly valuable for Black family and community research in the Fort Worth area.

  • Location: 1020 E. Humbolt Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104
  • Access: Hours vary; contact the Society to arrange visits or research assistance.
  • Contact: 817‑332‑6049; info@tarrantcountyblackhistory.org
  • Website: https://www.tarrantcountyblackhistory.org

Historic Fort Worth – Preservation Resource Center

Historic Fort Worth’s Preservation Resource Center maintains archives on local properties, including thousands of files from the Tarrant County Historic Resources Survey, historic photographs, maps, and documentation about individuals and structures that shaped Fort Worth’s built environment.

  • Location: Ball‑Eddleman‑McFarland House (basement)
    1110 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
  • Hours: Open for research by appointment, Mon–Fri, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Contact: 817‑336‑2344 ext. 113; prc@historicfortworth.org
  • Website: https://historicfortworth.org/resources/

 

Planning Your Research Visits

Many local repositories now offer services by appointment, especially for archival and genealogy collections. Contact the repository in advance to confirm current hours, request an appointment, and ask about any registration requirements or materials you wish to use. When planning your trip, review online catalogs and finding aids (where available) so you can target specific collections at Dallas Public Library, NARA Fort Worth, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth History Center, and UTA Special Collections.

Suggested “Research Tips for Conference Attendees”

  • Bring a research plan: list surnames, time periods, and locations before you arrive, especially for NARA Fort Worth and county/municipal archives.
  • Prepare for digital copies: many facilities allow you to save scans to USB drives or personal devices; NARA Fort Worth’s computers and microfilm readers include USB ports.
  • Check repository rules: some locations limit bags, allow only pencils, or require registration and researcher cards.
  • Use online catalogs first: Dallas Public Library, Fort Worth Public Library, Tarrant County Archives, UTA, and Historic Fort Worth provide online collection descriptions—starting there will make short research visits more productive.

 

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