Records & Where to Find Them
Genealogy research is built on records. Census data, vital records, land documents, and other sources provide the evidence needed to identify individuals, confirm relationships, and trace families over time.
Each type of record offers different information—and understanding how to find, interpret, and compare these records is essential for building an accurate family history. No single record tells the whole story, but together they create a clearer and more reliable picture.
The guides below introduce the most important genealogy record types and how to use them effectively in your research.
Census Records
Track individuals and families over time using census data, and learn how to interpret changing details across years.
Vital Records
Understand birth, marriage, and death records and how they form the foundation of genealogy research.
Church Records
Use baptisms, marriages, and burial records to fill gaps when civil records are limited or unavailable.
Immigration and Naturalization Records
Trace origins and migration through passenger lists, citizenship records, and related documents.
Military Records
Discover service history, pensions, and draft registrations to place individuals in time and context.
Land and Property Records
Use deeds and land records to track locations, relationships, and patterns of ownership over time.
Probate and Estate Records
Identify family connections and financial details through wills, administrations, and estate documents.
Newspapers and Obituaries
Find personal details, family connections, and community context through articles and notices.
Local Histories and Town Records
Use local sources to better understand communities, families, and historical context.
As you begin working with different record types, staying organized becomes essential. A clear system will help you manage information, track your progress, and keep your research accurate over time.
Continue to: Tools, Organization & Workflow