Researching Your Maine Ancestors

Postal Code: ME Abbreviation: Maine
Capital: Augusta
First permanent settlement: 1625
One of original colonies; prior to statehood it was governed by Massachusetts.
Admitted as the 23rd state in 1820.
Statewide birth, death and marriage records begin 1892. Maine marriage index 1892-1996 and death index 1960-1996 available on the web. (Individual towns will have earlier vital records. )
State-land state.
First extant federal census: 1790

   
Books & Articles
On the Web

There is nothing more helpful that a handy reference book with information specific to the area you are researching. I've listed below those that I know about.

(find in a library) will give you a link to help you find the book in the library closest to you. Most will show libraries near Ann Arbor... to change the location, type in your zip code and you can find libraries near you.

All of the three books listed below have a small section covering each state that includes maps, historical information, vital records coverage and a bibliography of resources for that state.

  1. Handybook for Genealogists ( 11th edition) (find in a library) (note: some libraries may have earleir editions; those are perfectly usable)
  2. Ancestry's Redbook (you'll want the 3rd edition) (find in a library)
  3. The Family Tree Resource Book for Genealogical Research (find in a library)

Here are some books specific to

Frost. Maine Genealogy: A Bibliographical Guide, 1985
New England Family Histories and Genealogies: Maine and Rhode Island

Audiotapes of lectures taped at genealogy conferences with the word "Maine" in the title.

 

 

 

 

 

* FHL Maine Research Outline
* Maine Gen Web
* ALHNMaine Page #1
* ALHN Maine Page #2
* Maine Genealogy & History
* Maine State Library -Genealogy
* Maine State Archives
* Maine Historical Society (Center for Main History)
* Maine Genealogical Society
* Genealogical Societies in Maine
* Maine Newspaper Project
*Maine Vital Records (official)
* Vitalrec Maine Page
* Maine Black Sheep
* Maine Old Cemetery Association
More Links
* Genealogy Today's State Gen Site: Maine
* Ancestors Maine Resource Guide
* Rootsweb: Maine
* Genealink's Maine Page
* Access Genealogy's List of Maine Links
* Cyndi's List Maine Page