Where to Find Local Geneology Records

Within dusty old libraries and government achieves, you’ll find a lot about your family’s history if you know where to look and what to look for. Here are places to check for records that might help you fill in the pieces of your family’s own puzzle:

Courthouses – These are the records repositories for marriage licenses, divorce records, court actions, title to real estate and more. Check with the clerks about these documents for known relatives and you might uncover a name or branch you were unaware of.  Some old court cases, especially litigation, can be quite interesting to read.  In them, you'll find names of other local families.  If their relatives stil live in the area, you might want to get in touch with them because they may have addtional information.  If you live in the western states where water use is governed by old decrees, you will find a wealth of information and names in the old decree and related filings.

Local historical archives – Many towns have their own historical societies that keep genealogical information on their past residents. Never walk away from a town without checking into the records these jewels may offer.  If you're visiting a town, be sure to visit the cemetary, too!

Health departments – These government agencies are often the keepers of birth and death certificates. While birth certificates for the living might be restricted, the death records for your relatives will likely be public record.

Census information – A lot of historic information about family members can be found in old census records. Many local libraries keep at least old census records for their areas on microfilm.

Newspapers – Check local newspaper morgues for any details about your ancestors. Larger papers generally have their own archivists on staff that will likely be more than willing to assist in a search. Expect the possibility for having to pay for the service, but if a search pays off, you might find out some interesting stories about your family’s past.

Schools – Sometimes old yearbooks and school papers can provide information about your ancestors as they were growing up. These, too, might lead to clues about other family members.

Church Records - Many churches keep baptisimal and other records of their parishoners.  Of course, the local LDS church will have a library with old diaries and other written records from a town's pioneers.

"Where to Find Local Geneological Records" contributed by Sandra Jarrecki