Property Research at the CALS Roberts Library

Whether you have been doing research on historic properties for years or are just now beginning, the CALS Roberts Library offers resources for researchers at all skill levels. Some of our resources and databases are only available for use at the CALS Roberts Library, while others are available at your neighborhood CALS branch library or accessible at home with your CALS library card.

Watch this VIDEO to learn how to get started using the resources below.

Genealogy Resources

• City Directories  – available in ready reference at the CALS Roberts Library and through Ancestry Library edition at any CALS branch (link directs to Ancestry Library collection)
• Census Records – available through Ancestry Library edition at any CALS branch
• Historical Newspapers
  • Newspapers.com – Arkansas newspapers through 1923 available online at any CALS branch
  • ChroniclingAmerica – Other Arkansas newspapers, various dates, available online from anywhere
  • Newspapers on microfilm – Arkansas Democrat and Arkansas Gazette from 1923 to 1993 available only at
    the CALS Roberts Library
  • Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Historical Archive – This archive collection contains searchable image edition issues of the Arkansas Gazette from 1867-1991, the Arkansas Democrat from 1947-1992, and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette from 1992-1994.
  • Quapaw Quarter Chronicle – available online anywhere through the Quapaw Quarter Association’s website

Architectural History Resources

• Fire Insurance Maps Online (FiMO) – available at home with a CALS library card or at any CALS branch
• Quapaw Quarter Association records – access to physical materials only available at the CALS Roberts Library
• Architectural surveys – available through the Quapaw Quarter Association and Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
• National Register of Historic Places – applications available through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (be sure to check both individual and historic district listings)

Land Ownership Resources

• City of Little Rock interactive historic districts/sites map
• Little Rock Cultural Heritage & Historic Preservation
• AR County Data 
• Pulaski County Real Estate Records Portal 
• Bureau of Land Management General Land Office records 

Worksheets

• Property Research Checklist worksheet
• Ownership History Tracking worksheet