Genealogy & Vital Records
In order to record your family history and begin your family tree, you must delve into a myriad of genealogy records. It is best to familiarize yourself with as many records as you can, and to always keep your eye out for alternative records in case you hit a brick wall when researching an ancestor. Read our genealogy record resource articles to learn more about the different genealogy records that exist, where you can find them, and how to make the best of the information that they provide!
Birth Records
Birth records provide an incredibly valuable tool to genealogists and those tracing their family tree. As a vital record, birth records can shed light on not only the date and location of birth, but provide family information and biological details. Researchers can access official birth records through the state and county offices, as well as online through authoritative indexing resources.
Cemetery Records
Genealogists seeking information about the life and death of their ancestors can find valuable information from cemetery records, especially if a death certificate is not available. In addition, cemetery records may provide greater insight into a person’s life, including their religious belief, social class, family relationships, and community involvement. Online resources can provide information on cemetery records, but an in-person visit may be worthwhile for research endeavors.
Census Records
Starting in 1790, the US government has kept census records – which can be an excellent tool in the genealogist’s research box. While family information can be discerned from census records, a researcher can also create a socioeconomic image of each generation. While census records are only made available after 72 years, they are an excellent way to research the earlier generations of your family tree.
Death Records
Genealogists utilize death records as an important part of their research process. While information regarding the date and cause of death can be ascertained, important data on relatives can also be derived from a death record. To find this civil record on your ancestors, visit county or state offices, as well as authoritative indexed resources online.
Divorce Records
Also known as marriage dissolutions, divorce records can significantly help a genealogist or family tree researcher piece together parts of ancestral history. A divorce record sheds light on the age and birth dates of the husband and wife, and it may even outline the terms of the divorce. More importantly, the children of the couple may also be named in the document, which provides further insight into the family lineage. A researcher may access divorce records through
Find Vital Records
Vital records, also known as “civil registration” records in some countries, include marriage, birth, and death records. Kept by the government to protect each individual’s legal status, these vital records play an important role in a genealogist or researcher’s endeavors in tracing family lines. Some official vital records can be accessed through state or county records, while indexed ones can be found through authoritative online resources.
Immigration Records
As a land comprised of immigrants, America’s immigration records can help a researcher find invaluable information about generations past. Starting in 1819, immigration records were kept for all individuals arriving on American soil. To find out more about an ancestor’s family members, overseas birth place, and details surrounding their arrival in America, you can begin at the National Archives and Ellis Island’s official records.
Marriage Records
As a civil record, a marriage record can provide a genealogist and researcher with valuable data regarding birth dates, birth locations, family names, and even occupations. Most state and county departments have more flexible guidelines regarding releasing marriage records to the public. You may also find indexed marriage records through authoritative online databases.
Obituaries & Death Notices
Obituary records, which are newspaper announcements that discuss a person’s life and death, can be helpful research tools for a genealogist. Should a death certificate not be accessible, obituary records can provide similar information, if not more. Information typically not discussed in death records, such as details about the person’s life, family, career, and accomplishments, are outlined in obituary records. These can be accessed through library microfiches and online resources.
Retrieve Census Records
The Federal Population Census began in 1790 and is renewed every 10 years. All census information is made available for public access under the Freedom of Information Act. You can usually obtain official copies of census records by following these steps.
Retrieve Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, are not maintained or distributed by the federal government. These records are publicly available through individual state vital records offices. You can usually obtain vital records by following the steps explained here.
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