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State of Vermont
Useful Hints for Vermont Genealogy Research
The “Green Mountain” state is well known for its gorgeous scenery and as a popular place for skiers, autumn “leaf peepers”, and those who generally love the outdoors. It is also a tremendously historical location that has connections to Native American heritage, all of the continental American wars, and to many waves of immigration and settlement. This is why there is such a high demand for Vermont genealogy material, and this article will explain the basics of conducting some research.
A Strong Start for Vermont Genealogy Research
As you start to search for Vermont genealogy information, you will quickly see that your resources will be found either online and offline. “Offline” simply means that there are a lot of smaller towns or local archives that have not yet put their collections into online digital archives or databases. This means that your first step in starting to search for Vermont genealogy materials is to develop a list of the different records that you will explore in the “real world”.
This must begin, however, with some background information about the basic locations for finding such genealogical materials.
Essential Tools for Vermont Genealogy Data
This article is going to provide you with information and tips about the resources for anyone doing research for Vermont genealogy. It is important to understand that this basic list is one that all researchers for Vermont genealogy will use, and it includes:
- State Records – this group will include probate information, birth certificates, cemetery information, death records, deeds, estate information, genealogical folders, land records, maps, marriage details, military or veterans information, newspapers, private manuscripts, state census information, surname lists and more. These are available as online and offline resources for Vermont genealogy.
- Local Records – traditionally, state research requires a visit to a county clerk’s office or website. From there you will often find yourself visiting and researching in small local libraries, historical societies, local genealogical societies, and school or college libraries for Vermont genealogy information. These are items that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
- Vital Records – these are the birth, marriage, divorce and death records from county, state, and national archives. They include newspaper items, military records, immigration and naturalization details, cemetery or obituary information, census records, and passenger lists and records as well. These tend to be available as online or offline resources for Vermont genealogy.
The Main Resources for Vermont Genealogy
There are many reliable resources for Vermont genealogy information. The most substantial records for Vermont genealogy can be found at:
- Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 70, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05402-0070; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/vermont.htm. This is where you can order birth, death, marriage and divorce records.
Additionally, many records can be found at the following:
- Vermont State Archives, 1078 U.S. Rte. 2, Middlesex, Montpelier, Vt. , 05633-7701; Website: http://www.vermont-archives.org/.../genealogy/
There is also the information from the Genealogical Society of Vermont website: http://www.genealogyvermont.org/.
Lastly, websites such as those listed below will provide state-specific genealogical details for those searching for Vermont genealogy details:
- The USGenWeb Project - http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vtgenweb/VT_History.htm;
- State census records at Genealogy Research Guides - http://www.researchguides.net/census/state.htm, and
- Genealogy Today - http://www.genealogytoday.com/genealogy/states/vermont.html
List of Vermont Counties
Select a county from the table below to to view more information on genealogical information & records pertaining to each county.
