The Piqua Public Library Local History Department was first organized in 1978. It is based on the private collection of Jerome Smiley, (1849-1924). The Local History Room at the Library has grown to include over 5000 printed volumes on the history and genealogy of Ohio and surrounding states. Microfilm records, Piqua High School yearbooks and an extensive reference section help complete our resources available for researchers. The Archives holds over two hundred manuscript collections, 6500 small collections , and 6000 vertical files.
Ancestry Library Edition and the Sanborn Digital Maps are available for use in the Library along with many proven genealogical websites.
The Library is also a Family Search Center with ties to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT. As a Family Search Center we can obtain Microfilm and Microfiche from the Family History Library which is the largest genealogical collection in the world.
Local History Links
- Local History and Genealogy Archive Collections
Annals of Congress - Congressional Globe - Congressional Record - Day By Day
- Photographs Miami County Historical & Genealogical Society
- Chautauqua Rare Book Collection
- Favorite Stove
The Miami & Erie Canal - Piqua Civic Hall of Fame
- 1913 Flood
- The Mills Brothers
- William H. Pitsenbarger Medal of Honor
- Email Local History
- Ohio Memory Project
- Ancestry Library Edition
- Do you have a question? The Local History staff is happy to assist with inquiries related to Piqua history and local genealogy. Please be sure to ask a specific question, include pertinent information like names and dates, and your return address. Email Local History

