Maryland Introduction

United States   Maryland    Introduction

This set of Wiki pages describes major sources of information about families from Maryland. As you read this outline, study the United States set of Wiki pages, which will help you understand terminology and the contents and uses of genealogical records.

Records of the Family History Library
The Family History Library has many of the records described in these Maryland Wiki pages. The library has:


 * All available census records, 1790 to 1920.
 * Many pre-1860 church, probate, court, and land records.
 * Many county marriage records.

The Family History Library acquired most of its microfilms from Maryland between 1947 and 1949. Except for some published records, little has been added to the microfilm collection since then.

Some of the sources described in this set of Wiki pages list the Family History Library's book, microfilm, and microfiche. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for Family History Library. You can use these numbers to locate materials in the library.

FamilySearch Catalog
The library's records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog found at the library and at each Family History Center. The catalog is available in a online or microfiche version. To find a record, look in the Place Search of the catalog for:


 * The place where your ancestor lived, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - CENSUS
 * MARYLAND - PROBATE RECORDS
 * MARYLAND, FREDERICK - COURT RECORDS
 * MARYLAND, FREDERICK, THURMONT - CHURCH RECORDS
 * MARYLAND, BALTIMORE (INDEPENDENT CITY) - CHURCH RECORDS


 * The record type you want to search, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - CENSUS
 * MARYLAND - PROBATE RECORDS
 * MARYLAND, FREDERICK - COURT RECORDS
 * MARYLAND, FREDERICK, THURMONT - CHURCH RECORDS
 * MARYLAND, BALTIMORE (INDEPENDENT CITY) - CHURCH RECORDS

The page titles in the Maryland Wiki pages match the names of record types used in the catalog.