Genealogy

OVERVIEW OF CENSUSES AND VITAL RECORDS

Maine Vital Records 

• Prior to the 1800’s vital records were kept primarily by churches.
• Vital records in Maine were inconsistent before 1892.
• After 1864, state legislation required that town clerks forward births, deaths, and marriages to the secretary of state. Although there was never total compliance, all those that were sent before 1892 (for about 80 towns) are available at the Maine State Archives.
• We have copies of these vital records on microfilm at Fogler Library.
• By 1892, recording was mandatory.
• Fogler Library has copies of the post-1892 vital records grouped by date: 1892-1907; 1908-1922; 1923-1936; 1937-1955. Look for the reels by date, then search each reel by last name.

Author: Darylyne Provost | Revised: 01/25/2008
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