Alaska Genealogy Records

To begin, add a genealogy record or view a list of locations and resources for Alaska genealogy records.

In a era of globalization, it is easy to feel disconnected from the past, especially since families no longer live in the same general area. Genealogical research can help rekindle that feeling of connectivity with our relatives. It can also provide an understanding of a family's past.

To locate recent vital data, the best place to turn is the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics. They keep adoption, birth, death, divorce, and marriage records on file. The state of Alaska has an interesting view of confidentiality in regards to state records that can complicate a genealogists search. Under Alaska law, all Vital Statistics records are classified as confidential until they are labeled as public records. Each type of record has a different date that it can be released. Birth records, for example, cannot be released until 100 years have based. Death records, as well as those of marriages and divorces, cannot be released for fifty years. Prior to the records becoming public, a Probate Master's written permission is required to access the sealed records. Searching for Alaska genealogy records is a bit difficult.

A trove of Alaska genealogy records can be found in the Alaska State Archives. While none of the records kept at the Archives were created for the purpose of genealogical research, the Archives do hold many records that contain information on individuals such as: Naturalization records (1888-1972), Pioneer Home Residents (1913-1980), and Vital Statistics (1816-1998).