How to Search Genealogy Public Records

Once you have your basic parental information, researching public records can confirm and aid in finding additional information.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• File Cabinets
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• File Folders
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Papers
• Family Tree Softwares

1. Go to your local library and request help in getting online to a public genealogy database of a public genealogy library. These databases are accessible through most public libraries. If you have access to a genealogy library, this is the premier place to go.

2. Utilize the staff at the libraries. They can quickly direct you to resources that will provide answers to your search if you tell them what you need. It's their job to know where the resources are located.

3. Request information on searching through the Social Security database, where you can obtain vital information about your U.S. relatives. This database is good for all relatives who died after about 1961. For relatives who died previous to this time, you'll need to write the Social Security office.

4. Request a copy of the Social Security application of a relative to get access to his or her parents' legal names and birth dates. Write to: Social Security Administration, Office of Central Records Operation, FOIA Workgroup, P.O. Box 17772, 300 N. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21290. The current cost is $7.

5. Obtain the addresses of the Office of Vital Records, Department of Health in applicable capital cities of states or countries. Order copies of birth and death certificates from these offices.

6. Access the Department of Veteran's Affairs' fascinating military-record information. Its records are extensive, but be prepared to provide the Social Security number or other identifying number for the person you're researching.

7. Look into Census Bureau records dating back to 1745. Microfilm can be found at a genealogy library as well as for rent or purchase. Records are categorized in what is known as a Soundex system. Films are filed by census year, then state, then Soundex number.

8. Visit your local courthouse and research how to find family information through records such as deeds; birth, marriage and death certificates; and wills.

9. Check with fraternal organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Freemasons or The Grange to find out more about member ancestors. The records of these groups can contain valuable information.

10. Check records from the main ports of entry into the United States, such as New York; Galveston, Texas; Key West, Florida; Plymouth, Massachusetts; and San Francisco. These links connect you to your roots overseas.

11. Check church records in the areas where your ancestors lived. Many contain baptismal and marriage records that can aid in your search.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to wait awhile for the processing of the public certificates. This process can easily take two months or more.