4 Essential Places for Missouri Genealogy Research

Tracing your family history can be an exciting adventure, and Missouri holds a wealth of resources for genealogists. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your journey, understanding where to begin is crucial. This article will guide you through four essential places for Missouri genealogy research, recommended by a professional genealogist.

1. The State Archives of Missouri

The State Archives of Missouri, located in Jefferson City, is the primary repository for historical documents related to the state’s government, including vital records, land grants, military records, and more. It’s a treasure trove for genealogists seeking to uncover their ancestors’ lives in Missouri.

What You Can Find:

• Birth, Marriage, and Death Records: The Archives holds records from various counties, dating back to the state’s founding. These records can provide crucial details about your ancestors’ lives, including their birthdates, marriage dates, and places of death.
• Land Records: Missouri land records offer insights into your ancestors’ property ownership, including deeds, plats, and surveys. These records can trace your family’s movements within the state.
• Military Records: The Archives houses records of Missourians who served in the military, including service records, pension files, and muster rolls. These documents can reveal details about your ancestors’ military service, including their unit, dates of service, and battles fought.
• Court Records: Court records, such as probate records, can provide information about your ancestors’ legal affairs, including wills, estates, and guardianships.

Tips for Researching at the Archives:

• Contact the Archives in advance: Before your visit, contact the Archives to confirm their hours, research policies, and any specific requirements for accessing records.
• Prepare a research plan: Develop a clear research plan outlining your ancestors’ names, dates, and locations. This will help you make the most of your time at the Archives.
• Be patient: Genealogical research can be time-consuming, so be prepared to spend time searching through records.

2. The Missouri Historical Society

Located in St. Louis, the Missouri Historical Society houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and oral histories related to Missouri’s history and culture. Its genealogy department offers valuable resources for researching your family’s past.

What You Can Find:

• Genealogical Databases: The Society’s website and genealogy department provide access to digitized records, including birth, marriage, and death records, census records, and family histories.
• Photographs and Artifacts: The Society’s collection includes photographs, maps, diaries, and other artifacts that can bring your ancestors’ lives to life.
• Oral Histories: Oral history recordings offer firsthand accounts of Missourians’ lives and experiences, potentially providing insights into your family’s past.

Tips for Researching at the Historical Society:

• Visit the website: The Society’s website provides an online catalog and digital resources for genealogy research.
• Contact the genealogy department: Genealogists at the Society can offer guidance and assistance with your research.
• Attend workshops and events: The Historical Society hosts workshops and events related to genealogy, which can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

3. The Library of Congress

While not specifically focused on Missouri genealogy, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., holds a vast collection of resources that can be invaluable for genealogical research. Its online catalog and digitized materials offer access to a wide range of records, including census records, military records, and family histories.

Tips for Researching at the Library of Congress:

• Utilize the online catalog: The Library of Congress’s online catalog allows you to search for specific materials, including digitized records.
• Explore the American Memory website: This website offers access to millions of digitized materials, including photographs, maps, documents, and oral histories.
• Request materials: If you need to access physical materials, you can request them through the Library’s website.

4. County Courthouses

County courthouses are a crucial resource for genealogy research, as they hold a wealth of local records, including birth, marriage, and death records, land records, probate records, and more. Visiting the courthouse of the county where your ancestors lived can provide valuable insights into their lives.

Tips for Researching at County Courthouses:

• Contact the courthouse in advance: Call or visit the courthouse’s website to inquire about their hours, research policies, and record availability.
• Be prepared to pay fees: County courthouses may charge fees for accessing records.
• Bring necessary identification: You may be required to provide proof of identification to access records.

Conclusion

Embarking on a genealogy journey in Missouri can be a rewarding experience. By utilizing these four essential resources, you can uncover valuable insights into your family’s past and connect with your ancestors’ lives in a meaningful way.

Remember, genealogical research requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore different resources. Each discovery can lead to new insights and deepen your understanding of your family history.