Searching for Family History information in Minnesota

The Minnesota Historical Society has a database that you can search family history by name, birth year, and/or county for the state of Minnesota, this search queries birth certificates from 1900 to 1916. The database provide records, indexes and transcripts of DOB, county of birth and mother's maiden name. uncertified copies of birth certificates can be bought and delivered online or via email

Legal and court sources of family history records

Courts and legal offices can be a rich source of family history information. Some court houses have legal documents going back many years, for example probate which includes information about estates,wills, intestate papers. Additional more detailed family history records could include marriage papers, court proceedings indenture, voting records. All of these additional sources can be useful additional family history sources to add to your armory.

Organizing Family History Research

An important part of family history research is organization. As you progress with building your family history you can find yourself with so much paperwork that you are lost. For each person make a life archive entry, in the family history comments for each life archive make a note of where you obtained your information and Research. Add outstanding questions you might have on this person along with a checklist. Remember to document everything you find on your about family history as you go. arcalife is a great tool to help you keep your family history organized.

How birth certificates help in family history searches

The amount of information on birth certificates can vary significantly. In more recent years this could mean that there is both a short and long form. So if you can’t find the family history data that you are looking for it’s a good idea to try and find out if a long form certificate exists. Your local family history center or records office may be able to help you with family history and birth certificates advice.Certificates almost always show parents and sometimes other valuable information including where the parents were born, occupation and sometimes their address at the time the certificate was made.