Preserving El Paso’s history through archives, education, events, and community engagement.

Genealogy Program

HISTORICAL ARCHIVES & RESEARCH

Researching El Paso History: Our Archives

EPCHS has more than 28,000 archival items about the history of the El Paso region. These items include photos, documents, books, maps, directories, and historical objects. Some materials can be accessed online, while the complete collection is available for research and exploration by visiting the El Paso County Historical Society in person.

Discover Your Roots: Our Genealogy Program

The El Paso County Historical Society is here to help you trace your family roots and connect with the history of our local community. Whether you are a beginner tracing your first ancestral line or an experienced researcher looking for local context, our resources are here to guide you.

EXPLORE RESEARCH & RESOURCES

What You Can Research & Explore

Discover historical records, archival databases, and research collections.

01

Family Histories & Research

Browse our collection of family books and binders documenting early area settlers, including biographies of members of the Pioneer Association and local obituaries.

02

Archives

Complete an online search or visit us to find regional records or family members.

03

PastPerfect Online

Search our online archival database for historical photographs, documents, artifacts, and local history collections.

04

Password

Quarterly Historical Publication

Check out Password, our quarterly newsletter sent to members, documenting the rich multicultural heritage and historical research of El Paso and the Southwest since 1956.

05

Clippings

Historical Newspaper Archives

Explore scanned historical clippings, subject-indexed press, and pioneer records curated by EPCHS archivists for regional research.

06

El Paso Area History

Regional Landmarks & Biographies

Discover architectural records of historic homes, pioneer family biographies, and regional memorial archives.

LEARN TOGETHER

Workshops & Community Events

We believe in learning together. Join our hands-on workshops and community preservation events.

HANDS-ON CLASSES

Genealogy Workshops

Hands-on classes covering research techniques, document analysis, and navigation of our regional archival database.

INTERACTIVE EVENTS

Community Family History Days

Special interactive events where residents can share, preserve, and document local heritage together with Historical Society archivists.

AUTHOR TALKS & LECTURES

Book Talks & History Presentations

Engaging presentations and book talks by local authors and historians exploring regional heritage and Southwestern history.

BURGES HOUSE

Hours & Research Room Access

Walk-ins are welcome! No appointment is necessary to use our research room at the Burges House. Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

MEMBER ACCESS BENEFIT

Admission Policy

Access to our genealogy resources is a benefit exclusive to our members. Non-members can easily join the Society upon arrival for immediate access to all research resources.