Vermont Church Records: Difference between revisions

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==Finding the Records==
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===
===Look for online records.===
 
'''Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local [https://familysearch.org/locations/ family history center] or the [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library] in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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====FamilySearch====
*'''1765-1908''' - {{RecordSearch|1675544|Vermont, Births and Christenings, 1765-1908}} Index. Incomplete.
*'''1765-1908''' {{RecordSearch|1675544|Vermont, Births and Christenings, 1765-1908}} Index. Incomplete. - [[Vermont Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1791-1974''' - {{RecordSearch|1675550|Vermont, Marriages, 1791-1974}} Index only. Incomplete.
*'''1791-1974''' {{RecordSearch|1675550|Vermont, Marriages, 1791-1974}} Index only. Incomplete. - [[Vermont Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1871-1965''' - {{RecordSearch|1675549|Vermont, Deaths and Burials, 1871-1965}} Index. Incomplete.  
*'''1871-1965''' {{RecordSearch|1675549|Vermont, Deaths and Burials, 1871-1965}} Index. Incomplete. - [[Vermont Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
====Lutheran====
====Lutheran====
*'''1800-1947''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index & images, incomplete. ($)
*'''1800-1947''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index and images, incomplete. ($)
====Methodist====
====Methodist====
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9134/ New England, Select United Methodist Church Records, 1787-1922], index & images, incomplete. ($)
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9134/ New England, Select United Methodist Church Records, 1787-1922], index and images, incomplete. ($)
====Presbyterian====
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1701-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)


===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
===Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''FamilySearch Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''Family History Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
*The [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] (FS Library) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.  
*The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] (FHL) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.  
*Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the state, county, or town.
*Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the state, county, or town.
*If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see [https://beta.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-a-microfilm-be-digitized '''How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?''']
*If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see [https://beta.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-a-microfilm-be-digitized '''How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?''']
*Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a [https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search '''FamilySearch Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.   
*Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a [https://familysearch.org/locations/ '''Family History Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.   
*To find records:  
*To find records:  
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=47&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Vermont%22 '''records of United States, Vermont'''].
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=340&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Vermont%22 '''records of United States, Vermont'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Vermont''' and a list of counties will appear.
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Vermont''' and a list of counties will appear.
:::c. Click on your county if it appears.
:::c. Click on your county if it appears.
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===Consult available finding aids.===
===Consult available finding aids.===
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*Historical Records Survey (Vermont). '''''Inventory of Church Archives of Vermont, No.1, Diocese of Vermont, Protestant Episcopal'''''. Montpelier, Vermont: The Survey, 1940. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|302920|title-id|disp=book 974.3 K23h; fiche 6006639}}.) This book also includes a historical sketch of each parish or mission.
*Historical Records Survey (Vermont). '''''Inventory of Church Archives of Vermont, No.1, Diocese of Vermont, Protestant Episcopal'''''. Montpelier, Vermont: The Survey, 1940. (Family History Library {{FHL|302920|title-id|disp=book 974.3 K23h; fiche 6006639}}.) This book also includes a historical sketch of each parish or mission.
*[https://neym.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/GuideToRecordsRSOF_1997.pdf '''Guide to the Records of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in New England''']
*[https://neym.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/GuideToRecordsRSOF_1997.pdf '''Guide to the Records of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in New England''']
 
*[https://www.vt-fcgs.org/PDFs/VT%20Catholic%20Parishes.pdf '''Vermont Catholic Parishes by Year Founded''']
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===Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.===
===Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.===
Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to '''digitized, online records''' offered by the archives. Some archives provide '''research services''' for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.<br>
Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to '''digitized, online records''' offered by the archives. Some archives provide '''research services''' for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a [https://algensoc.org/main/researchers.html '''researcher.''']<br>
<br>
<br>
<span style="color:DarkViolet">'''Here you will find archive information unique to the state. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational  archives, go to  [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination.''']]</span>
<span style="color:DarkViolet">'''Here you will find archive information unique to the state. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational  archives, go to  [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination.''']]</span>
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====American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library====
====American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library====
[https://acgs.org/research/ '''American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library''']<br>
[https://acgs.org/research/ '''American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library''']<br>
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Manchester, New Hampshire 03103<br>
Manchester, New Hampshire 03103<br>
<br>
<br>
Phone: 603-622-1554<br>
Tel: (603) 622-1554<br>
*[https://acgs.org/research/services/ '''Research Services''']
*[https://acgs.org/research/services/ '''Research Services''']
*[https://acgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ACGS-Library-Holdings-Parish-Repertoires-and-Vital-Records.pdf '''Library Holdings Parish Repertoires and Vital Records''']
*[https://acgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ACGS-Library-Holdings-Parish-Repertoires-and-Vital-Records.pdf '''Library Holdings Parish Repertoires and Vital Records''']
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[https://www.vtgenlib.org/ '''Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society''']<br>
[https://www.vt-fcgs.org/ '''Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society''']<br>
57 River Rd (RT 117)<br>
P.O. Box 65128 <br>
Essex Jct., Vermont<br>
Burlington VT 05406-5128<br>
Phone: 802-871-5647<br>
Email - MAIL@VT-FCGS.ORG<br>
Email: [mailto:mail@vtgenlib.org mail@vtgenlib.org] or [https://www.vtgenlib.org/contact-us/ Contact form]
Phone: 1-802-350-1333<br>
*[https://www.vt-fcgs.org/new_vt_research.html '''Vermont Research Information''']
*[https://vtgenlib.org/library/search_book.php?search=church+records&Search=Search '''Vermont Genealogy Library Book Search''']
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==== Baptist  ====
==== Baptist  ====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
[https://library.uvm.edu/ '''Howe Library''']<br>University of Vermont<br>Burlington, VT 05405-0036<br>Phone: (802) 656-2020<br>Fax: (802) 656-4038
[https://library.uvm.edu/ '''Howe Library''']<br>University of Vermont<br>Burlington, VT 05405-0036<br>Phone: (802) 656-2020<br>Fax: (802) 656-4038
*[http://library.uvm.edu/ '''Catalog''']
[http://library.uvm.edu/ '''Catalog''']
----


==== Episcopal  ====
==== Episcopal  ====
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*[https://www.vermontcatholic.org/resource/procedures-for-requesting-records/ '''Procedures for Requesting Records''']<br>   
*[https://www.vermontcatholic.org/resource/procedures-for-requesting-records/ '''Procedures for Requesting Records''']<br>   
*[https://vtgenlib.org/library/search_book.php?search=church+records&Search=Search '''Vermont Genealogy Library Book Search'''] The Vermont French Genealogy Society has transcribed the records of the diocese. [https://vtgenlib.org/library/index.php '''Search the Catalog''']<br>
*[https://vtgenlib.org/library/search_book.php?search=church+records&Search=Search '''Vermont Genealogy Library Book Search'''] The Vermont French Genealogy Society has transcribed the records of the diocese. [https://vtgenlib.org/library/index.php '''Search the Catalog''']<br>
 
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Addison County, Vermont Genealogy|Addison]], [[Bennington County, Vermont Genealogy|Bennington]], [[Caledonia County, Vermont Genealogy|Caledonia]], [[Chittenden County, Vermont Genealogy|Chittenden]], [[Essex County, Vermont Genealogy|Essex]], [[Franklin County, Vermont Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Grand Isle County, Vermont Genealogy|Grand Isle]], [[Lamoille County, Vermont Genealogy|Lamoille]], [[Orange County, Vermont Genealogy|Orange]], [[Orleans County, Vermont Genealogy|Orleans]], [[Rutland County, Vermont Genealogy|Rutland]], [[Washington County, Vermont Genealogy|Washington]], [[Windham County, Vermont Genealogy|Windham]] and [[Windsor County, Vermont Genealogy|Windsor]]
===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held. To find a society near you, consult these lists:
<br>
 
==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
There are frequently additional, nationwide or regional archives and online collections for each denomination.  Find the article for your ancestors' denomination and follow the instructions there to access these sources.
{{Template:US-church-sidebar}}
<br>
==Carefully compare any record you find to known facts about the ancestor==
You will possibly find many different people with the '''same name as your ancestor,''' especially when a family stayed in a locality for several generations, and several children were named after the '''grandparents or aunts and uncles'''. Be prepared to find the correct church records by organizing in advance as many of these exact details about the ancestor '''as possible''':
*'''name''', including '''middle name and maiden name'''
*names of all '''spouses''', including middle and maiden name
*exact or closely estimated '''dates of birth, marriage, and death'''
*names and approximate birthdates of '''children'''
*all known places of '''residence'''
*'''occupations'''
*'''military''' service details
<br>
 
[[File:Dark_thin_font_green_pin_Version_4.png|50px]]'''Carefully evaluate''' the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a '''"near match"'''. If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, [[Evaluate the Evidence|'''Evaluate the Evidence'''.]]


== References  ==
== References  ==

Revision as of 23:15, 20 July 2020

Vermont Wiki Topics
Vermont flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Vermont Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Vermont were the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, and Roman Catholic churches.[1]

Information Found in the Records[edit | edit source]

To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:

Finding the Records[edit | edit source]

Look for online records.[edit | edit source]

Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local family history center or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Caution sign.png

Online databases are incomplete. This can lead to two common errors:

  1. Near matches: Researchers might mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
  2. Stopping research: Researchers might assume the database proves church records do not exist. Actually the record is still out there, just not in this incomplete collection of records. Keep searching!

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.[edit | edit source]

Family History Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
  • The Family History Library (FHL) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.
  • Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the state, county, or town.
  • If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?
  • Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a Family History Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.
  • To find records:
a. Click on the records of United States, Vermont.
b. Click on Places within United States, Vermont and a list of counties will appear.
c. Click on your county if it appears.
d. Click on the "Church records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
e. Click on Places within United States, Vermont [COUNTY] and a list of towns will appear.
f. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.
g. Click on the "Church records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
h. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the record is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the records.

Consult available finding aids.[edit | edit source]

These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.

Correspond with or visit the actual churches.[edit | edit source]

Some records are still held in the local churches. Contact the current minister to find out what records are still available.

  • Make an appointment to look at the records. Or ask the minister of the church to make a copy of the record for you.
  • To find church staff available, you might have to visit on Sunday.
  • Ask for small searches at a time, such as one birth record or a specific marriage. Never ask for "everything on a family or surname".
  • A donation ($25-$40) for their time and effort to help you would be appropriate.
  • If the church has a website, you may be able to e-mail a message.
  • See the Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy for help with composing letters.
  • Each denomination page offers an online address directory of local churches for that denomination.

Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.[edit | edit source]

Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to digitized, online records offered by the archives. Some archives provide research services for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.

Here you will find archive information unique to the state. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational archives, go to Searching for Church Records by Denomination.

American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library[edit | edit source]

American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library
1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N
Manchester, New Hampshire 03103

Tel: (603) 622-1554

Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 65128
Burlington VT 05406-5128
Email - MAIL@VT-FCGS.ORG
Phone: 1-802-350-1333

Baptist[edit | edit source]

Howe Library
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405-0036
Phone: (802) 656-2020
Fax: (802) 656-4038 Catalog

Episcopal[edit | edit source]

Vermont churches.png
Episcopal Diocesan Center
5 Rock Point Road
Burlington, VT 05401-2735
Phone: (802) 863-3431
Fax: (802) 860-1562

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Diocese of Burlington
351 North Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 658-6110
Fax: (802) 658-0436

The Archives repository makes the heritage of the Diocese of Burlington available for historical researchers within the guidelines of the canon, civil, and diocesan law. The Archives staff views genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the Catholic church in Vermont. The archivist will assist researchers within the constraints of available resources such as financial, equipment, space, and staff.
Sacramental records for the Diocese of Burlington begin in 1830 even though the Diocese of Burlington was established in 1853. Individuals seeking sacramental records for genealogical research will not receive certified copies of records. Rather, the Archives Department will provide names, dates, and places where sacraments (baptism, marriage, burials) took place, if the records can be located. A copy of the original record will not be provided.

The diocese includes the counties of: Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, Religious Bodies: 1906 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:365. Digital version at Google Books.
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