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State of Washington
Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources
Tips for Searching for Washington Genealogy Information
Washington State is known mostly for its amazing natural beauty, but it was also one of the farthest locations of the American frontier, and this means that there is a huge amount of history connected to the entire state. This is also why there is such a demand for genealogical materials as well. This article will look at the best methods to use for Washington genealogy searches.
Looking for Washington Genealogy Information
Where do you find genealogical information? It will be available in two ways - “online” and “offline”. These resources will be found in a large number of locations, especially because the current age is one of electronic information. This is why so many places have converted their holdings into online databases open to the public 24 hours a day. As you begin looking for Washington genealogy data you should be able to begin with the computer to accumulate facts and even order copies of documents.
If you find that your sources offer no digitized data, you can still look for Washington genealogy data on their websites, and ensure you will be able to get what you need “in person”. It is important to spend time identifying such resources for Washington genealogy in order to discover which are the best online tools for your project.
Sources for Washington Genealogy Data
Generally, state research begins in the public records, and these are divided into three categories. Know these categories as you begin looking for Washington genealogy materials as it will streamline search efforts:
- Local Records – state genealogy searches will often start at a county clerk’s office or website, and will then head on to the small local libraries, historical societies, local genealogical societies, and school or college libraries for Washington genealogy materials. These are items that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
- Vital Records – these cover the birth, marriage, divorce and death records from county, state, and national archives. They can also include immigration and naturalization details, cemetery or obituary information, census records, newspaper items, military records, and passenger lists and records as well. These tend to be available as online or offline resources for Washington genealogy.
- 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 Washington genealogy.
Best Sites for Washington Genealogy Materials
Below is a list of the primary resources for targeted information for Washington genealogy research:
- Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 47814, Olympia, WA 98504-7814; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/washington.htm . This is where you can find birth, death, marriage and divorce records via a written request or even through an online form.
Additional state and local records can be found at the:
- Washington State Archives, 1129 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98504-0238; Website: http://www.sos.wa.gov/history/genealogy.aspx
Also, consider using the Washington State Library’s main Genealogical page at http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/Geneaogy.aspx.
These three websites are known for providing researchers with state-specific details for those in search for Washington genealogy data.
- The USGenWeb Project - http://wagenweb.org/;
- State census records at Genealogy Research Guides - http://www.researchguides.net/census/state.htm; and
- Genealogy Today - http://www.genealogytoday.com/genealogy/states/washington.html
Washington Genealogy
Select a Washington county from the table below to to view more information on genealogical information & records pertaining to each Washington county.
Washington State Historical & Genealogical Societies, Archives, Museums and Libraries
Submit a website link, report broken links for Washington Archives Websites.
Washington Archives
- Washington State Archives, 520 Union Ave. SE, P.O. Box 40220, Olympia, WA 98504-0220
The central repository receives and catalogs materials for the entire state, and publishes a number of guides to its various collections, the titles of which can be found on its website. Records of a local government nature are collected and preserved in the five regional branch archives, each serving several counties as follows: - Washington State Library, Point Plaza East, 6880 Capitol Blvd., Tumwater, WA 98501
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 42460l, Olympia, WA 98504-2460 - The National Archives - Pacific Alaska Region - 6125 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Washington 98115-7999; (Archival Research Room, Microfilm Research Room, Records Center Research Room)
Washington Museums
- African American Museum, 925 Court C, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone 253-274-1278. Fax 253-274-9644.
- Wing Luke Asian Museum, 407 Seventh Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98104 -
has materials relating to the Chinese in the Pacific Northwest and principally the Seattle area.
Washington Libraries
- Seattle Public Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
- Tacoma Public Library, Northwest Room, 1102 Tacoma Ave. South, Tacoma, WA 98402
Washington Historical & Genealogical Societies
- Washington State Historical Society, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402
- Washington State Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 1422, Olympia, WA 98507-1422. The website has county research guides online.
