Genealogy
We have assembled a list of resources to help you navigate genealogy research. Check out these resources and, of course, contact the Library if you’d like assistance in your search!
Maine and New England
Genealogical Research Application Maine birth records less than 75 years old, death records less than 25 years old and marriage records that are less than fifty years old are private documents available only to those registered with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC). To register and gain access to the types of records listed above fill out and submit this application.
Review the related law – Chapter 58, LD 258, 125th Maine Legislature (Word) – An Act Relating to Access to Vital Records
Maine City Directories These city directories are available at the Maine State Library. Not every year is available for each city or town.
Maine Genealogical Society The Maine Genealogical Society (MGS) is a non-profit educational organization that preserves over 80 titles in their collection including vital records transcriptions, family sketches, and various church, marriage and probate records.
Maine Historical Society The Maine Historical Society collection includes published and compiled genealogies, town histories, vital records, census records, city directories, town reports, maps, photographs, manuscripts, journals, and many other resources.
Maine Newspapers on Microfilm A list of newspapers/journals with available publication dates available on microfilm through the Maine State Library.
Maine State Archives Services Available records include town history, genealogy resources, military documents, bills introduced into the Legislature, land deeds and surveys, judicial records, and more.
Maine State Library Genealogy Material Search the catalog for materials available through the Maine State Library. Click on the item you are interested in and follow the instructions to initiate a search of the catalog.
Maine Town Reports: Scanned copies of town reports. The State Library also has an extensive collection of Maine town reports in print; check the catalog by town.
New England Historical Genealogical Society (In-library access only) Access to one of the most widely used online genealogical resources in the world. Browse hundreds of unique searchable online databases, offering more than 1.4 billion searchable records.
Quick Link to Maine Genealogical Databases Search available databases for Maine using the New England Historical Genealogical Society online browsing tool.
Obituary Search Search Maine obituaries using this online request form. This is a fee based service available through the Maine State Library.
General Genealogy and History Resources
Ancestry Library Edition Free to use at home! Provides instant access to more than 1 billion names, more than 3,000 databases, primary-source document images and a variety of genealogical research features. For tutorials please click here:Ancestry Library Edition Tutorials
Digital Public Library of America: The Family Research Guide: DPLA is totally free to use and open to all – no library card, subscription, or sign-up required! Their collection offers a unique research resource for family historians and genealogists.
Family Search Create a free account and explore the archives. FamilySearch preserves historical records such as civil registration records; church records; and probate, census, land, tax, and military records. The collection also contains compiled sources such as family histories, clan and lineage genealogies, oral pedigrees, and local histories. Select titles of microfilm to rent from the Family Search Catalog and have them delivered to us for you to view.
Genealogy Resources A detailed list of genealogy resources by the Maine State Library. Includes a helpful section for beginners on how to get started.
MyHeritage Access to genealogy records online through the Digital Maine Library.