The Local and Family History Section and its predecessor departments have been headed by Harriet Taylor, 1900-1931; Mary L. Watson, 1931-1934; Elisabeth Coleman, 1934-1943; Joseph C. Wolf, 1944-1974; Rick J. Ashton, 1975-1977; Peggy Tuck Sinko, 1978-1983; and David T. Thackery, 1983-1998.

Clippings, correspondence, handbooks, reports, and statistics related to the activities of the Local and Family History Section. Early files include an 1892 list of genealogy book purchases and daily reader reports, 1942-1945. Files assembled by Joseph C. Wolf include numerous clippings and notes on family histories, names, and heraldry; budget requests; gifts records and correspondence; materials on local and national genealogical societies; lectures and speeches, etc. Files of Ashton, Sinko, and Thackery include memoranda, collection bulletins and informational materials, expansion plans, and departmental objectives.

For earlier records related to the Local and Family History Section, see the Harriet Taylor Papers, Record Group 11/15/01.