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Genealogy and Family History
The Maine State Library has extensive resources for researching Maine people, families, and communities. Our collections include thousands of published family histories and genealogies, Maine town and county histories, vital records, city directories, cemetery records, newspapers, town reports, maps, and other local-history materials.
Our collections focus especially on Maine and New England, with additional resources for researching French-Canadian families, Québec, and the Maritime Provinces.
Start Your Research
Search the Maine State Library Catalog
Find family histories, town and county histories, vital records, cemetery records, local histories, and other genealogy materials held by the Maine State Library.
Ask a Librarian
Not sure where to begin? Maine State Library reference staff can help identify records, publications, and other sources that may be useful for your research.
Online Genealogy Resources
Ancestry Library Edition
Search census records, vital records, city directories, immigration records, military records, family histories, court records, photographs, maps, and other genealogy sources.
Available from within Maine public libraries.
FamilySearch
Search billions of birth, marriage, death, census, church, immigration, military, probate, and other genealogical records from the United States and around the world.
Free account required.
DigitalMaine Repository
Search digitized books, photographs, maps, government records, local histories, and other historical collections from the Maine State Library and organizations throughout Maine.
Digitized Maine Newspapers
Search historical Maine newspapers for obituaries, birth and marriage announcements, community news, businesses, and other details about the lives of Maine residents.
Genealogy Materials at the Maine State Library
Many of MSL's most valuable genealogy resources are available for use in the library. The collections below are especially useful for family-history and local-history research.
- Family and Local Histories
- The collection includes thousands of published family genealogies as well as town, county, and state histories for Maine and other parts of New England. Search the MSL catalog by family name, town, county, or subject.
- Published Vital Records
- MSL holds published birth, marriage, and death records for many Maine towns, along with related resources for other parts of New England and Canada.
- City Directories
- City and town directories can help locate individuals and families between census years and may include addresses, occupations, businesses, and household information. View Maine city directories available at MSL.
- Newspapers
- The Maine State Library holds extensive runs of Maine newspapers on microfilm. Newspapers can be especially useful for locating obituaries, birth and marriage announcements, community news, business information, and other details about an individual's life. View MSL newspaper microfilm holdings or explore digitized Maine newspapers.
- Town Reports
- Historic Maine town reports can be valuable sources of information about residents and communities. Older reports may identify town officials, teachers, taxpayers, individuals receiving town assistance, and other residents. Search the MSL Catalog for town reports.
- Cemetery Records and Surname Indexes
- MSL's collections include published and microfilmed cemetery records, epitaphs, surname indexes, and other resources that can help locate Maine individuals and families. The Surname Index to Maine Old Cemetery Association records is available on microfilm.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
- Historic Sanborn maps document buildings and neighborhoods in many Maine communities and can help researchers identify homes, businesses, streets, and changes to the built environment over time. Learn more about MSL's Maine maps and special collections.
- Maine Vertical File
- The Maine Vertical File contains newspaper clippings, magazine articles, pamphlets, and ephemera relating to Maine people, communities, buildings, organizations, and historical subjects. The files are available for use at the Maine State Library, and a growing portion of the collection is described in an online index. Search the Maine Vertical File index.
- Manuscripts and Personal Papers
- The State Library holds several hundred manuscripts relating to Maine history, including personal papers, genealogies, diaries, and other original documents. Many are described in the MSL catalog, and selected materials have been digitized in DigitalMaine. Explore MSL special collections.
- French-Canadian and Maritime Canadian Research
- MSL's genealogy collection includes materials relating to Québec, Acadian families, and the Maritime Provinces, reflecting the close historical connections between Maine and eastern Canada. Search the MSL catalog or contact a reference librarian for help locating relevant material.
Maine Vital Records
The year 1892 is an important dividing point for Maine genealogy research. Before 1892, births, marriages, and deaths were generally recorded at the town level. Beginning in 1892, Maine established a comprehensive statewide vital-records system.
Before 1892
Vital records were generally created and maintained by individual towns. Surviving records may be held by the municipality, the Maine State Archives, or available in published form at the Maine State Library.
1892 to Present
Maine's statewide vital-records system began in 1892. Birth, marriage, and death records from 1892 to the present are administered by the Maine CDC's Data, Research, and Vital Statistics program.
Genealogist Researcher Program: The Maine CDC offers a Genealogist Researcher Program for qualified genealogical researchers seeking access to non-certified copies of public or restricted Maine vital records and the state's online vital-record index. Review current eligibility requirements, fees, and application information.
Genealogy Services from MSL
Obituary Search
Maine State Library staff can conduct obituary searches in selected Maine newspapers when the deceased person's date of death and place of residence are known.
Review the newspapers covered, current fee, and request requirements before submitting a request.
Ask a Librarian
Reference staff can help you identify MSL collections, publications, databases, and other resources that may be useful to your family-history research.
Other Maine Genealogy Resources
- Maine State Archives — Original government records useful for family-history research, including vital records, military records, court and probate records, and other historical records.
- Maine CDC Genealogist Researcher Program — Information about registration and access to Maine vital records for genealogical research.
- Maine Historical Society — Library, archival, manuscript, photographic, and museum collections documenting Maine people and communities.
- Maine Genealogical Society — Genealogy publications, programs, educational resources, and connections with genealogical researchers throughout Maine.
Related Research Topics
Civil War & Military Research
Researching a Maine ancestor who served in the military? MSL and the Maine State Archives provide access to military records, personal accounts, photographs, regimental information, and other materials. The resources below are particularly useful for Civil War research.
Maine Civil War Resources
- Maine Civil War Resources — Explore Maine people, regiments, monuments, books, and collections relating to the Civil War.
- Military Records at the Maine State Archives — Genealogy resources include Maine military records, Civil War military rolls, militia records, World War I records, pension applications, and veterans cemetery records.
- Maine in the Civil War: A Selected List of Material in the Maine State Library — A bibliography of Civil War materials in MSL's collections.
