Maine Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains a death index with the years 1960-1996, by the Maine Department of Human Services from the Maine State Archives. The data for the year 1996 is not complete.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Death
 * Name
 * Death date
 * Death place
 * Age
 * City or town code
 * Certificate number

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know
 * The name of the deceased person
 * The approximate date of death

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. The information may lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the certificate number to request a copy of the death certificate
 * Use the estimated age to calculate a birth date
 * Use the location find the family in census, church, and land records
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have died in the same place or nearby
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
 * Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Check for variant spellings of the names
 * Look for a different index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Maine.
 * Maine Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.