Maryland Research Tips and Strategies

Below are links to different research strategy pages to help you locate your ancestors in Maryland

These tips will help you as you research your ancestors in Maryland.

Birth information: All counties in Maryland began recording births in 1898, although full compliance did not happen until about 1910. The best substitute record for locating birth information is death records (the majority of death records will list the date of birth of the decedent, and since death certificates are considered a primary resource, they can provide you with the same documentation as a birth certificate). Or, try these other substitute records.
Finding Parents: All counties in Maryland began recording deaths in 1898, although greater compliance did not happen until after 1914. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Maryland death records
Look in all censuses: Always look for your ancestor in every possible census. There are clues regarding immigration, naturalization, and occupation that can lead to other records. Sometimes parents can be found living with their children later in life. Search U.S. Censuses.