Maryland Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

:The LC "Local History and Genealogy Reading Room" has moved to the main reading room, but services are unchanged. They are part of the world's largest library including 50,000 genealogies, 100,000 local histories, and collections of manuscripts, microfilms, maps, newspapers, photographs, and published material, strong in North American, British Isles, and German sources.<ref>[http://www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/lhgcoll.html The Collections] in ''Local History and Genealogy Reading Room'' in ''The Library of Congress'' (accessed 8 January 2014).</ref> '''Maryland''' family history is well represented.

:'''Archives I''' has nationwide censuses, pre-WWI military service and pensions, passenger lists, naturalizations, passports, federal bounty land, homesteads, bankruptcy, ethnic sources, prisons, and federal employees. The National Archives Building in Washington, DC (Archives I), houses textual and microfilm records relating to genealogy, American Indians, pre-World War II military and naval-maritime matters, the New Deal, the District of Columbia, the Federal courts, and Congress.<ref>[http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/washington/researcher-info.html Information for Researchers at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC] in ''National Archives'' (accessed 31 December 2013).</ref> Their collection includes many people who settled in '''Maryland'''.<br><br>

:'''Archives II''' houses documents created after 1900 at the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, and Treasury, modern military records, passport applications, and District of Columbia records. Many residents of '''Maryland''' are found among their records.<ref name="DB2">William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer. ''America's Best Genealogy Resource Centers'' (Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998), 2. {{WorldCat|39493985}}; {{FSC|728550|item|disp=FS Library Ref Book 973 J54d}}.</ref><br><br>

:Has federal agency and court records for Delaware, '''Maryland''', Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. All U.S. federal censuses 1790-1940, and indexes. Also have passenger arrivals in Philadelphia 1800-1945 and Baltimore, pension and bounty land warrant applications, naturalizations 1790-1990, early federal history, diplomacy, military history, Chinese-Americans, World War II homefront, National Park Service, merchant marine, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, federal tax evasion and smuggling cases.<ref name="DB12627">Dollarhide and Bremer, 126-27.</ref><br><br>

:The [[National Genealogical Society]] (NGS) aims to serve and grow the genealogical community by providing education and training, fostering increased quality and standards, and promoting access to and preservation of genealogical records.<ref>[http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/mission NGS Mission] in ''National Genealogical Society'' (accessed 14 January 2017).</ref> It is the ''premier'' American national society for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced family historian. In conjunction with a sponsoring local genealogical society, it stages an annual '''[http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/conference_info NGS Conference]'''. They also provide genealogical education courses, publications and videos.<ref>[http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/ Home] in ''National Genealogical Society'' (accessed 7 January 2017).</ref> Their [[National Genealogical Society Book Loan Collection|NGS Book Loan Collection]] is now housed at the [[St. Louis County Library]] in Missouri. Their online collections include ''The National Intelligencer'' (Washington, DC) newspaper index 1800-1850, indexed Bible records and family groups from NGS members.<ref>[https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/member-benefits/ NGS Membership] pdf in ''National Genealogical Society'' (accessed 15 January 2021).</ref> <br><br>

:Older than 15-years federal criminal court, federal civil court, and federal bankruptcy court records, and the federal agency records from the District of Columbia, '''Maryland''', Virginia, and West Virginia.<ref name="DB29">Dollarhide and Bremer, 29.</ref><br><br>

:The Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates for events that occurred in Maryland. Photo-I.D. is required. You can apply by mail or in-person. For an additional fee you could also make online requests through the private company [https://www.vitalchek.com/vital-records/maryland/maryland-vital-records VitalCheck.com]. Fees may differ for certificates issued at local (county or city) Health Departments.<ref>[http://dhmh.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/apps.aspx Vital Records General Information] in ''Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygience'' (accessed 24 April 2017).</ref> Statewide registration began for births and deaths in 1898; for marriages in 1777. Local vital records may exist before those dates but would be spotty.<br><br>

:Promotes genealogical research through publications, programs and workshps, resources, and outreach. Publishes a journal and newsletter. Maintains a surname registry, databases of photos, tax lists, cemetery, and church records. Offers a limited research service for a fee.<ref>[https://mdgensoc.org/index.php Home] in ''Maryland Genealogical Society'' (accessed 25 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

:This facility has the largest genealogical book collection in Maryland, and family Bibles, newspapers, and biographies.<ref name="DB55" /><br><br>

:Houses journals and 5,000 books primarily about archeology (terrestrial and maritime), Native Americans, architecture, history, historic preservation, decorative, building conservation for Maryland and surrounding regions. They also have an oral history collection.<ref>[http://mht.maryland.gov/research_MHTlibrary.shtml Maryland Historical Trust Library] in ''Maryland Historical Trust'' in Maryland.gov (accessed 25 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

:This is the premier facility for locating Maryland ancestors. The Maryland State Archives [http://aomol.msa.maryland.gov/html/index.html online] has nearly all available public records from 1634 to 1789; most original state and county records through the mid-twentieth century; microfilm copies of land, probate, and vital records to the present; and over 130 major card indexes to Maryland land records and early settlers, newspapers, county records, church records, family, and business records. This is the most complete collection of any of the 13 colonies. It can take up the three days just to check the indexes.<ref name="DB55">Dollarhide and Bremer, 55.</ref> For more information about the state archives, see the following references.

:*Maryland. Hall of Records. ''A Guide to the Index Holdings at the Hall of Records''. Rev., Bulletin, [Maryland. Hall of Records] No. 17. (Annapolis, Maryland: Hall of Records, 1972.) {{FSC|118379|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.2 A1 no. 56.}} This is a county-by-county list of indexes and years covered.  

:*Papenfuse, Edward C., et al. ''A Guide to Government Records at the Maryland State Archives: A Comprehensive List by Agency and Record Series''. (Annapolis, Maryland: Maryland State Archives, 1992.) {{FSC|646205|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.2 A3g.}} This guide lists record types, years covered, and series number.  

:*Papenfuse, Edward C., et. al. ''A Guide to the Maryland Hall of Records: Local, Judicial and Administrative Records on Microfilm''. Volume 1. (Annapolis, Maryland: Hall of Records Commission, 1978.) {{FSC|498131|item|disp=FS Library fiche 6049468; book 975.2 A3pa v. 1.}} Volume one is a detailed list of many records on microfilm for Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City, Maryland. These include court, probate, and land records. The archives has additional computer printout lists for all counties. You can write to them for information about records of specific localities and time periods.  

:*Radoff, Morris Leon, et al. ''The County Courthouses and Records of Maryland, Part Two: The Records''. (Annapolis, Maryland: Hall of Records Commission, 1963.) {{FSC|146470|item|disp=FS Library fiche 6054101 (fiches 4 and 5), 6054105; book 975.2 B4ma no. 13}} This is a county-by-county list of record types, years covered, and series number.<br><br>

:Includes family genealogies, Maryland public records, historical works, popular Maryland newspapers on microfilm, and online access to back issues of the "Capital" (via Newspaper Archive).<ref>[http://www.lawlib.state.md.us/audiences/ Just for Specialized Audiences] in ''Maryland State Law Library'' (accessed 25 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

:They have a western Maryland historical collection with genealogies, and local histories.<ref name="DB55" /> Cumberland, Maryland, was the start of the [[National Road]] to Ohio and farther west.<br><br>

:Visits by appointment only. Find 300,000 names in their ''[https://malissaruffner.com/2012/02/14/treasure-hunt-using-the-wpahrs-index/ WPA Historical Records Survey Name Index]''. They also have Baltimore City directories, spotty coroner's inquest records 1827-1867, a [http://connergenealogy.com/home/baltimore-city-houses-of-worship/ Baltimore Houses of Worship locator tool], a partial 1868 Police Census for Wards 3, 6. 8, 9. 13, & 20, cemetery records, passenger arrival lists, and property tax records.<ref>[https://baltimorecityhistory.net/guide-to-the-baltimore-city-archives-for-genealogists/ Guide to the BCA for Genealogists] in ''Baltimore City Archives'' (accessed 25 April 2017).</ref>

:Two useful guides to Baltimore records are:  

:*Cox, Richard J., and Patricia M. Vanorny. "The Records of a City: Baltimore and Its Historical Sources." ''Maryland Historical Magazine'' 70 (Fall 1975): 286-310. {{FSC|1280050|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.2 H25m v. 70}}  

:*LeFurgy, William G. ''The Records of a City: A Guide to the Baltimore City Archives''. (Baltimore, Maryland: City Archives, 1984.) {{FSC|444379|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.26 A3bc}}<br><br>

:Their collection includes many Maryland Eastern Shore, and Delaware historical references.<ref name="DB55" /><br><br>

:Excellent local, county, and Maryland state records.<ref name="DB55" />[[File:C. Burr Artz Public Library in Frederick, Maryland 20501v.jpg|thumb|right|225px| Artz Public Library in Frederick, MD]]<br><br>

:They have Maryland history, genealogy, and more.<ref name="DB55" /><br><br>

:Their Special Collections maintains material about Western Maryland and contiguous counties in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, answers genealogical reference questions, and provides an obituary copy service.<ref>[http://libguides.frostburg.edu/spec-coll Dr. David M. Gillespie Special Collections: Home] in ''Lewis J. Ort Library'' (accessed 20 January 2017).</ref><br><br>

:JGS MD provides educational progams, resources, and news to help researchers find their Jewish ancestors.<ref>[http://www.jewishgen.org/jgs-maryland/index.html Home] in ''Jewish Genealogical Society of Maryland'' (accessed 24 April 2017).</ref><br>[[File:George-peabody-library.jpg|thumb|right|284px|Johns Hopkins Univ Peabody Library, Baltimore]]<br>

:This collection has strengths in British and American history, biography, geography, and exploration and travel including a large map collection.The also have many manuscripts.<ref>[http://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=202582&p=1336208 George Peabody Library] in ''Special Collections {{amp}} Archives'' in Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries {{amp}} University Museums (accessed 20 January 2017).</ref><br><br>

:MAGS facilitates research on Germanic genealogy in the mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) during the 17th through 20th centuries. They provide a newsletter and sponsor educational events.<ref>[https://magsgen.com/about.php About Us] in ''Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society'' (accessed 24 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

: 5,500 volumes, surname files, family group sheets, Bible records and microfilms. Focused primarily on Prince George's County, Maryland, and the eastern states.<br><br>

:Either schedule an on-site visit, or submit a written request for a sacramental record of a baptism, a marriage, or a death between 1834 and 1989.<ref>[http://www.stmarys.edu/archives/genealogy/ Genealogy] in ''St. Mary's Seminary & University'' (accessed 24 April 2017).</ref> <ref>[http://www.stmarys.edu/archives/services/ Reference and Research Services] in ''St. Mary's Seminary & University'' (accessed 25 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

:This repository has family files, family histories, local histories, photos, and artifacts from the Delmarva Penninsula (Delaware, '''Maryland''', and Virginia) also called the "Eastern Shore." Includes correspondence, manuscripts, ledgers, diaries, local business and organizational records, maps, newspapers, land surveys, and oral histories. Microfilm collections hold governmental and church records of Somerset, Worcester, Dorchester and Wicomico counties in '''Maryland'''; Accomack and Northampton counties in Virginia; and Sussex County in Delaware.<ref>[http://www.salisbury.edu/nabb/ Nabb Research Center] in ''Salisbury University'' (accessed 25 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

:Look here for their many Maryland Eastern Shore, and Delaware historical references.<ref name="DB55" /> Their collection includes church records, burial permits, Talbot County genealogy links, Bibles, family records, manuscripts, maps, local oral histories, and vertical files.<ref>[http://www.tcfl.org/mdroom/genealogy/index.html Genealogy] in ''Talbot County Free Library'' (accessed 13 September 2015).</ref>[[File:Lovely Lane Methodist Church.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Lovely Lane Church, Baltimore]]<br><br>

:The Lovely Lane Methodist Church holds the Historical Society's archives, library, and museum. The archives preserve records of annual conferences, agencies, certain personal papers, and certain discontinued local church records. The library holds biographies, histories, historic Books of Discipline, and maintains digitized publications.<ref>[http://www.lovelylanemuseum.com/index.html Home] in ''Lovely Lane Museum'' (accessed 24 April 2017).</ref><br><br>

:Their Maryland historical collection is quite large.<ref name="DB55" /><br><br>

:The ''Western Maryland Room '' is a genealogical resource which includes published histories, oral histories, books, periodicals, and family folders.<ref name="DB55" /><br><br>

:They have a relatively small family folder collection. Nevertheless, it is an important resource for settlers coming from '''''Pennsylvania, Maryland''''', and northern '''''Virginia'''''  along the [[Great Valley Road]] into '''''Tennessee, Kentucky''''', and '''''North Carolina'''''.<ref>Dollarhide and Bremer, 105.</ref>[[Image:Handley Library Winchester Virginia.jpg|thumb|220px|Handley Library Winchester Virginia]]<br><br>

:Very large collection on Germans and Scots-Irish who traveled the [[Great Valley Road]] from '''''Pennsylvania ''''' through '''''Maryland''''' to '''''Virginia''''', including manuscripts, newspapers, biographies, and histories,<ref name="DB97">Dollarhide and Bremer, 97.</ref> and people of the Lower Shenandoah Valley since 1732, emphasizing Winchester and Frederick County in 4000 books, county court abstracts, county histories, genealogies, regimental histories, battles, newspapers since 1787, censuses, 600 linear feet of manuscripts, maps, photos, and oral history tapes.<ref>[http://www.handleyregional.org/handley/services.asp?loc=5 Family and Local History] in ''Handley Regional Library'' (accessed 28 December 2013).</ref><br><br>

:Has early Quakers, Germans, Scots-Irish, and other settlers in William Penn's colonies of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. This is also an excellent place to learn about early settlers of '''Maryland'''.<ref name="DB55" /> Records which have been published are normally well-indexed. This society also has 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century manuscripts (letters, diaries, account books, deeds, minutes, and scrapbooks), passenger arrival lists and indexes, <ref>Dollarhide and Bremer, 95.</ref> local and regional history, ethnic and immigrant studies materials, 600,000 books, 20 million manuscripts, over 300,000 graphics items, and 300 years of newspapers.<ref>[http://hsp.org/collections/about-our-collections About Our Collections] in ''Historical Society of Pennsylvania'' (accessed 27 December 2013).</ref> <br><br>

:Think of this as the state archives for the District of Columbia because of the 200 years of local history documents for genealogists.<ref name="DB29" /> This includes families and notable individuals, organizations, businesses,  neighborhoods, religious institutions, local houses of worship, funeral homes, diaries and personal papers, and early 18th century '''Maryland''' and '''Virginia''' land records.<ref>[http://www.dchistory.org/research/about-library-collections/ About the Library and Collections] in  ''Historical Society of Washington, D.C.'' (accessed 7 January 2017).</ref> Researchers are welcomed in the Kiplinger Research Library by prior appointment only Tuesday through Friday. Access to the library and collections is free of charge.<ref>[http://www.dchistory.org/research/ Research] in ''Historical Society of Washington, D.C.'' (accessed 7 January 2017).</ref>[[File:Pennsylvania State Archive building.jpg|thumb|right|142px|Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg]]<br><br>

:Their colonial records include many references to '''Maryland''' settlements.<ref name="DB55" /> This huge collection has indexes and original sources associated with the {{FSC|221762|item|disp=''Pennsylvania Archives''}} series, such as vital, military, prison, naturalization, land records, census, ships lists, railroads, mines, and 1.5 million online records<ref name="DB97">Dollarhide and Bremer, 97.</ref> <ref>[http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/research_topics/3162 Research Topics at the Pennsylvania State Archives] in ''Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission'' (accessed 23 December 2013).</ref> including [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/archival_research_topics/3162 online genealogy guides].<br><br>

::[[Hampstead Maryland FamilySearch Center]]<br>4117 Lower Beckleysville Rd<br>Hampstead MD 21074 USA<br>Telephone: 410-374-1301.

:::Each center is staffed by volunteers and has varying hours and services. Telephone in advance to verify their hours.