West Virginia Genealogy & LDS Family History Centers
With an illustrious history as a key border state during the Civil War, it is no wonder why many residents of this beautiful state have a desire to trace their family roots in the area. The best place to start a genealogy hunt is at one of the many West Virginia family history centers located around the state. These facilities are owned and operated by member of the West Virginia LDS church, who serve as volunteers inside the office to provide training and answer questions for visitors. Staff members may also be able to access information from the main Family History Library in Utah or direct visitors to other potential resources as well.
If you have any questions or comments about family history centers, please send a message to [email protected]
.Parkersburg Family History Center
2515 Capital Dr
Parkersburg, West Virginia 25101
(304) 428-2857
West Virginia Genealogy Resources
West Virginia's path to statehood in 1863 was a bit rocky. The long-standing friction between planters in the East and those who lived west of the mountains over issues of taxation and slavery was escalated by the outbreak of civil war in 1861. But don't let such a contentious beginning get in the way of your genealogical searches in the "Mountain State." You'll find statewide birth and death records beginning from 1917 (with some records available from many counties from 1853) and statewide marriages starting in 1964. Also, with West Virginia's status as a state-land state, you can search abstracts of Colonial land patents, Pioneer books, and land grant petitions. Tax rolls, censuses, and military records are useful for documenting early West Virginians. Depending on what time period you're researching, you may have to consult records in both Virginia and West Virginia. Whether you're looking for the "mountain mama" in your family tree, or exploring the "country roads" where your ancestors walked, you'll find plenty of resources to help you get there.
West Virginia Department of Health
Division of Vital Statistics
350 Capitol Street, Room 165
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2931
Website
West Virginia Historical Society
Box 5220
Charleston, WV 25361
(304) 558-0230
Website
West Virginia and Regional History Collection
West Virginia University Library
Box 6069
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-3536
Website
West Virginia State Archives
The Cultural Center, Capital Complex
1900 Kanawha Blvd E.
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-0230
Website
West Virginia Genealogical Society and Library
Box 249
Elkview, WV25071
(304) 965-1179 x 168
Website
Marshall University Morrow Library
Special Collections
1 John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV25755
(304) 696-2343
Website
West Virginia Genealogy Websites
Family Search Wiki - West Virginia
Linkpendium: West Virginia Genealogy and Family History
West Virginia Blacksheep Ancestors
West Virginia Record Collections
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