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State of Delaware
How to Search for Delaware Genealogy Data
Delaware is one of the smallest states, but it is packed with history. It has played a role in the United States since its earliest days, and because of this there are many museums, historical societies, and smaller local organizations that can serve as treasure troves to those looking for Delaware genealogy.
Effective Ways to Look for Delaware Genealogy Materials
Anyone beginning to search for Delaware genealogy data is going to quickly discover that they don’t have to leave home to do it! They can use many of the state’s online resources to begin scouting around for the materials needed. Because there are so many resources online, however, it does not mean that everything has been made digital.
Though many groups have websites with strong databases, not all have yet been able to afford to tackle such a project. This means that anyone doing research for a Delaware genealogy project is also going to have learn about the offline sites they may need to visit. This means that it is extremely useful to familiarize yourself with the tools that researchers use for Delaware genealogy, and how to determine which are online and which are not.
The Modern Approach for Delaware Genealogy
Some of the most frequently used resources for Delaware genealogy are public records, and they are found in the following groupings:
- State Records – from probate information to private manuscripts, surname lists, newspapers, state census information, marriage details, military or veterans information, land records, maps, estate information, genealogical folders, death records, deeds, birth certificates, cemetery information and more. These are available as online and offline resources for Delaware genealogy.
- Local Records – good research begins in the county clerk’s office or website, and only then moves on to the local genealogical societies, small local libraries, historical societies, and school or college libraries for Delaware genealogy data. These are things that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or through special arrangements.
- Vital Records – these include the basic birth, marriage, divorce and death records from county, state, and national archives. These can also contain cemetery or obituary information, census records, newspaper items, military records, immigration and naturalization details, passenger lists and records as well. These are available as online and offline resources for Delaware genealogy.
Strong and Effective Tools for Delaware Genealogy
You will rapidly discover which tools work for Delaware genealogy, and you learn which provide you with the most information for your needs. Below are some of the best for Delaware genealogy, and can be found in person or online at:
- Office of Vital Statistics, Division of Public Health, 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/delaware.htm . This is where anyone can order birth, death, marriage and divorce records via a written request or even online.
Additional state and local records can be found at the:
- Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street, Dover, DE 19901; Website: http://archives.delaware.gov/ . This is very impressive resource offering massive digital archives, digital ancestry resources, public programs, and a huge amount of information through a single channel.
Also, consider using the Delaware Historical Society’s Genealogy Page at: http://www.hsd.org/gengd.htm
The following websites provide a large amount of state-specific details to those in search of facts for Delaware genealogy projects.
- The USGenWeb Project - http://theusgenweb.org/de/;
- State census records at Genealogy Research Guides - http://www.researchguides.net/census/state.htm; and
- Genealogy Today - http://www.genealogytoday.com/genealogy/states/delaware.html
List of Delaware Counties
Select a Delaware county below to view genealogical information & records pertaining to each Delaware county.
Most earlier records have been moved to the Delaware State Archives. Some counties have microfilms of transferred material. Choose from the counties below to view the county information.
Delaware State Historical & Genealogical Societies, Archives, Museums and Libraries
Submit a website link, report broken links for Delaware Archives Websites.
Delaware Archives
Delaware Museums
Delaware Libraries
Delaware Historical & Genealogical Societies
