Archaeologists infer that the first people that lived in the state of Maine were descendants of the Ice Age hunters, who were originally there due to the glacier that shaped the coastlines during the ice age that began the history of Maine. This descendents are also referred to at the Red Paint people because they lined their graves with red clay. There were also Native Americans that existed in the early history of Maine. The Micmacs were warlike for the most part, and the Abnakis were more peaceful. Then, in the year of 1602, the first Europeans arrived, and then five years later, the English arrived.
You might be thinking, what does this have to do with me? But, if you are an individual in search of Maine genealogy records, this has everything to do with you. Maybe some of the ancestors in your past belonged to the warlike Micmacs tribe, or maybe your family history had more of a peaceful beginning, and you had ancestors within the Abnakis tribe. Whatever the case, it still helps you to know information about the history of Maine, and how your family history ties into it.
Another notable point of history in Maine is that, at one point, it became a part of the state of Massachusetts. But, since Maine was actually separate from this state, Maine because the 23rd state of America in the year of 1820. This is another piece of factual information that may assist you when researching Maine genealogy records. You may want to take a look in Massachusetts' state history from the early 1800s until the mid 1820s in order to make sure that you don't bypass any of your ancestors.
The next turning point in the history of Maine happened after the War of 1812, when Maine became part of the State of Massachusetts. However, since it was physically separate from Massachusetts, on March 15 1820, Maine became America's 23rd State as a result of the Missouri Treaty.
Records from the years between 1892 and 1922 are available in the Maine State Archives. The Maine genealogy records included here are birth, death, and marriage records. Microfilm copies of birth, marriage, and death records from the years of 1922 to 1955 can be viewed in the State Archives research room. Records from the year of 1923 to the present are accessible from the Office of Vital Records. If you want to obtain a copy of the records located here, the cost is $15 for one certified copy and $6 for another certified copy of the same record. Both the Office of Vital Records and Main State archives are located in the city of Augusta Maine.
Learning about your history can make researching the past an easier job. If the job is easier, then the results that you find will be even more fulfilling. Use the tools that are offered to you to find out the information you want to know about the past, present, and future.
The first European settlement in Maine was in 1604 by a group of Frenchmen. With such a long history, Maine genealogy records searches are often fascinating.
Throughout the state, the Office of Health Data and Program Management handles all vital records data. From births to deaths and marriages to divorces, this office has records dating back as early as 1892. Those from 1923 to the present are available at the main office. Older records are housed at the Maine State Archives. Overseen by the Department of the Secretary of the State, the Archives are a veritable treasure trove of Maine genealogy records. Before 1892, each town and city held its own records, so if you're looking for aged records, you may want to start your search with each municipality.
Vital Records can be ordered either by submitting the completed form through the mail or by using their phone request line.