Step-by-Step Maryland Research, 1880-Present

Step 1. Find out everything possible from living relatives and their family records.
Every good genealogy project starts with finding all the clues that can be gathered from living relatives — both from their memories and from documents or memorabilia in their homes.

What are the best questions to ask?
In order to extend research, ask for names, dates, and places. Everything about who a relative was and when and where they lived is a clue to a new record search. For ideas, see :
 * Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews What to Ask the Relatives
 * Genealogy: 150 questions to ask family members about their lives
 * Creating Oral Histories

What documents should be collected or copied?
Because these records cover names, dates, places, and relationships, they are a valuable source of clues. Look for them in your home, your parents' home, and ask living grandparents to check for them.

Step 2. Find ancestors in every possible census record, 1850-1950, online.
A census is a count and description of the population of a country, state, county, or city for a given date. A census took a "snapshot" of a family on a certain day. For each person living in a household you might find (depending on the year) their name, age, birthplace, relationship to head of household, place of birth for father and mother, citizenship status, year of immigration, mother of how many children and number of children living, native language, and whether they were a veteran of the military.

Using the clues to lead to census record searches.
Here are the records discovered.
 * The first step would be to search for the family in the 1920 census of Maryland.
 * If they are located in 1920, follow up both time periods, the 1930, 1940, and 1950, and then the 1910 censuses of Maryland.



Finding an earlier generation.
'''Now we start moving backward in time, starting by looking for Raymond and Lula McKenzie in 1910 before Anna's birth. Notice that Raymond was born in about 1886 in Maryland.'''

'''We will concentrate on the McKenzie line first, and research the Robeson line later. We next look for Raymond in 1900 in his parents' home, as he would be about 14 years old. We find him in the home of Simon and Annie Blackman and their large family. He was born in June of 1885.''' '''Next, we follow Simon through the years in the 1910, 1920, and 1930 census, to make sure we thoroughly gather all possible census information about him. Notice that in 1910, his 80-year-old grandfather, John C. Chaney, is living with him.''' '''Finally, we learned in the 1900 census that Simon D. Blackman was born in May 1856, in Maryland. We find Simon and Rhoda in the 1880 census (the 1890 census was destroyed) living in the home of an older couple, Leo and Anna McKenzie. We assume these may be his parents, but as the census does not directly state so, we should work to prove it in other records.'''
 * }



Look for ancestors in as many censuses as possible. Use the clues from each census for hints where to find families in both earlier and later census records.
- For more information, see Maryland Census and United States Census.

Step 3: Find birth, marriage, and death certificates for ancestors and their children.
States, counties, or (even towns in some states) recorded births, marriages, and deaths.
 * In addition to the child's name, birth date, and place of birth, a birth certificate may give the birthplaces of the parents, their ages, and occupations.
 * A marriage certificate might list the parents of the bride and groom.
 * A death certificate may give the person's birth date and place, parents' names and birthplaces, and spouse's name.

Using the census clues to lead to a birth certificate.
Census information gives approximate birth years and probable birth places, and that information leads to finding important birth records. In addition to basic birth date and place, a birth certificate can give age, birthplace, occupation, etc. about the parents.

Using the census clues to lead to a marriage certificate.
Finding marriage records can:
 * establish the full identity of the wife, with her maiden name and possible birth details.
 * find the names of the parents of the bride and groom.



Using the census clues to lead to a death certificate.
Moving forward in time, older generations stop showing up in the census. That is a clue that they probably died in the last 10 years. The death certificate is important because of all the possible secondary data beyond just the date and place of death: -
 * birth date and place of the deceased
 * maiden name of the wife
 * names of the deceased's parents
 * birth places of the deceased's parents.

Some of the examples shown above are index entries. That means for each of them an actual, original, full certificate exists. It is highly advisable to order the original certificate. It will contain many details not given in the index. In some cases, the image of the original is found online. Instructions are given below on obtaining the original certificate in other cases. -

How to Find the Records
There are basically three ways to find these indexes or full original certificates:
 * online databases
 * writing to a county courthouse (prior to state civil registration beginning in 1867)
 * purchasing them through the mail

Online databases, usually indexes, with some images

 * This chart gives links to some Maryland online databases for these records:

Records at the County Courthouse.
These records were originally created by county clerks, and then copies were sent to the state. County clerks can be willing to help find all the birth records for one family or perform other searches that the state would not do. To contact county clerks by e-mail or telephone, go to the Wiki article for each county. Links to the county Wiki articles are found at the end of this page or by clicking here: Maryland Counties.

Order Certificates from Maryland Vital Records Department.
Almost always the full original certificate will contain information not contained in the index. Although it costs money, consider sending for the full original certificates, particularly for direct line ancestors (grandparents, great-grandparents, etc).


 * Where to Write for Maryland Birth, Marriage, Death and Divorce Records

For more information on birth, marriage, and death records in Maryland, see How to Find Maryland Birth Records, How to Find Maryland Marriage Records, and How to Find Maryland Death Records.

Step 4: Try to find additional details about ancestors in obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records online.
There are additional record collections available, based upon a person's death: obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records. These are a great source for more details about a person. Here are some examples; notice the level of details.

Obituary Collections

 * Online Maryland Death Indexes, Obituaries and Cemeteries
 * Archives.com Obituaries ($)
 * Ancestry.com United States Obituary Collection for Maryland ($)
 * Polish Death Notice Index Search, 1926-1946, index.
 * GenealogyBuff.com - Maryland Obituary Collection
 * ObitsArchive.com - Maryland
 * Maryland Obituaries
 * — index and images
 * Search for obituaries in ProQuest Newspapers.com Library ($)

Cemeteries

 * Find-A-Grave
 * at FamilySearch - How to Use This Collection
 * U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current at Ancestry
 * Billion Graves
 * at FamilySearch - How to Use This Collection
 * BillionGraves Index at Findmypast ($)
 * at FamilySearch – How to Use This Collection
 * Maryland Cemeteries at The Cemetery Site
 * Maryland Cemetery Records at AccessGenealogy
 * Maryland Cemetery Records at Interment
 * Maryland Gravestone Photo Project at Maryland Gravestones
 * Maryland Tombstone Transcription Project at USGenWeb Transcription Project
 * Names in Stone Vol. 1 at Ancestry ($)
 * Names in Stone, Maryland, Vol. 2 at Ancestry ($)
 * Online Maryland Obituary and Cemetery Indexes at DeathIndexes

U.S. Social Security Death Index and Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007

 * The U.S. Social Security program began in 1935 but most deaths recorded in the index happened after 1962.
 * The Social Security Death index includes those who had a Social Security number and/or applied for benefits.
 * You can search these records online at
 * Also at Ancestry.com, ($), index.
 * The Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 picks up where the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) leaves off, by providing information filed in the application or claims process.
 * The Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 picks up where the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) leaves off, by providing information filed in the application or claims process.


 * If you find an ancestor in the SSDI index, you can order a copy of their original Social Security application (SS-5). If you can prove the individual has died (by sending an obituary or copy of their cemetery headstone), the application will also give the deceased's parents' names, if listed.

For more information, see Maryland Obituaries and Maryland Cemeteries.

Step 5: Search military records: World War I and World War II draft cards.
There are many different types of military records: draft records, enlistment records, service records, pension records, etc. Information in military records can vary from a simple lists of name, age, and residence, to more detailed records including name, residence, age, occupation, marital status, birthplace, physical description, number of dependents, pensions received, disabled veterans, needy veterans, widows or orphans of veterans, and other information. - Example of a World War I draft card. - Example of a World War II draft card.



'''Search the World War I and World War II Draft Collections for male relatives.
- For more information and additional collections, see Maryland Military Records.
 * , index and images.
 * , index and images.

Step 6: Look for church records online.
Church records function as vital records. Church records are particularly helpful prior to the advent of civil registration.
 * An infant christening or baptism record documents a birth.
 * Many, if not most, people are married in a church, and then a record is created by the minister.
 * Likewise, ministers presided over funerals, then creating a burial record, which documents a death.



FamilySearch Historical Records Indexes

 * 1668-1995 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & Incomplete
 * 1650-1995 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & incomplete
 * 1877-1992 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & incomplete
 * 1666-1970 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * 1665-1995 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & images

Ancestry.com Indexes

 * Maryland Records Colonial, Revolutionary, County, and Church from Original Sources Vol. I($), index. Vol. II($), index, incomplete.
 * 1662-1911 Maryland, Births and Christenings Index, 1662-1911($), index, incomplete.
 * 1634-1777 Maryland Marriages, 1634-1777 ($)
 * 1655-1850 Maryland Marriages, 1655-1850 ($)
 * 1667-1899 Maryland Marriages, 1667-1899 ($)
 * 1778-1800 Maryland Marriages, 1778-1800 ($)
 * 1801-1820 Maryland Marriages, 1801-1820 ($)

Catholic

 * Catholic Families of Southern Maryland($), index/images
 * 1753-1851 Maryland, Catholic Families, 1753-1851 ($) index and images
 * 1819-1851 Western Maryland Catholics, 1819-1851($), index/images

Findmypast
Catholic Heritage Archive

Dutch Reformed

 * 1639-1989 U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989, index and images, incomplete.($)
 * 1701-1995 U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995, index and images, incomplete.($)

Episcopal

 * 1771-1848 Church records, 1771-1848. Episcopal Church. Diocese of Maryland, images.

Lutheran

 * Maryland and South Carolina Lutheran Newspapers, Marriages and Deaths($), index/images

Presbyterian

 * 1701-1970 U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970, index and images, incomplete.($)
 * Eighty years : embracing a history of Presbyterianism in Baltimore, with an appendix($), index/images

Quaker (Society of Friends)

 * 1655-1693 Early Maryland Quaker records : 1655-1693
 * 1681-1935 U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935

-
 * For help with church records kept in Maryland, see Maryland Church Records.
 * To search records by denomination, if you know your ancestors religion, go to Searching for Church Records by Denomination.

Step 7: Search for online wills and probate packets.

 * County probate records include '''probate proceedings, petitions, affidavits, orders for sales, reports of sales, administrators' and executors' bonds, guardianship papers, wills, and letters of administration.
 * In a will book, usually just a transcription of the will is recorded. But all of these other records are kept in a probate packet.
 * Administrations are probate proceedings that handled an estate if no known will existed.



Search these indexes and images for probate records.

 * United States Wills and Deeds Experimental Search: Maryland
 * Maryland, Wills and Probate Records, 1604-1878, ($), index and images, incomplete.
 * images.
 * index and images.
 * The Maryland Calendar of Wills, 1635-1743, 8 volumes at FamilySearch; images. Also at Ancestry ($); index and images.

Probate Information in County Wiki Articles
Each Maryland county Research Wiki page lists additional probate sources, including where to write for records: Maryland Counties

For more information, see Maryland Probate Records and United States Probate Records.

Step 8: If any ancestor was an immigrant, search immigration and naturalization records online.
The census records may show that an ancestor was born in another country. It will be necessary to try to find the town or city they were born in to continue research in the country of origin. Searches of immigration records (usually passenger lists) and naturalization (citizenship) records would be the next step.



Maryland Immigration Records

 * United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records
 * One Step Webpages by Stephen Morse Links to free and $ online passenger lists
 * To Maryland from Overseas ($)
 * Scots On the Chesapeake, 1607-1830 ($)
 * , index/images
 * , index/images
 * Index and Images.
 * — index and images

Maryland Naturalization and Citizenship Online Records

 * United States Naturalization and Citizenship Online Genealogy Records
 * Indexes to Naturalization Petitions to the U.S. Circuit and District Courts for Maryland, 1797-1951 ($)
 * Naturalization Petitions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1906-1930 ($)
 * U.S. Naturalization Records Indexes for Maryland, 1797-1951 - U.S. District and Circuit Courts ($)
 * U.S., Naturalization Records - Original Documents, (World Archives Project) for Maryland, 1906-1930 - U.S. District Court ($)
 * Selected U.S. Naturalization Records - U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1906-1930 ($)
 * Maryland, Federal Naturalization Records, 1795-1931, index & images ($).
 * Selected U.S. Naturalization Records - U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1906-1930 ($)
 * Maryland, Federal Naturalization Records, 1795-1931, index & images ($).

For more information, see Maryland Emigration and Immigration and Maryland Naturalization and Citizenship.

Local Histories

 * Published histories of towns, counties, and states sometimes contain biographies and accounts of early or prominent families.
 * Here are several websites that feature online copies of printed county histories: Maryland; that will bring up too many hits. Just use the name of the county and "county": for example, "Hyde County"
 * Google Books. Use keywords "Maryland" and the county name. Hits will list online readable books, lists of libraries that carry the book, and purchasing opportunities.
 * Family History Books
 * Internet Archive.Use keywords "Maryland" and the county name.
 * Ancestry.com, ($). In the Card Catalog search box, use Maryland and the name of the county.

FamilySearch Collected Local Histories

 * Local histories are extensively collected by the FamilySearch Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.
 * If you have access to the FamilySearch Library or a FamilySearch center, you can find local histories by:
 * Go to the FamilySearch Catalog.
 * In the "Place" field, type the name of your county and click "Search".
 * A list of subheadings for the county will appear. Local histories containing genealogies and biographies will be found under Biography, Genealogy, History, or History - Indexes.

Biography Collections
These collections of biographies can be searched online. Most have a table of contents and an index. Or use the "Find" function on a computer.
 * County and Town Histories, with biographies
 * American Biographical Library for Maryland ($)
 * Biographical sketches of distinguished Marylanders, ($), index/images
 * Enoch Pratt Free Library African American Biographical Database
 * Maryland State Archives, Biographical files available from SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, index only but gives birth/death date
 * Men of Maryland, Vol. 1, e-book, Vol. 3, Vol. 4
 * Genealogical and memorial encyclopedia of the state of Maryland Vol. 1, e-book, Vol. 2
 * The founders of Maryland as portrayed in manuscripts, provincial records and early documents, e-book
 * Biographical sketches of distinguished Marylanders, e-books
 * Men of mark in Maryland ... biographies of leading men of the state ... Illustrated with many full page engravings. v.1, e-book, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4

Step 10: Contact a county historical or genealogical society.
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 * County historical societies have collections that are frequently little known and often overlooked.
 * Many have a surname file, where they have collected genealogies, newspaper clippings, old photographs, etc.
 * Many have a sort of "pioneer ancestor" program, where people can submit pedigrees to prove they are the descendants of an early resident of the county.
 * Most keep track of queries about families that once lived in the area from other distant relatives who may actually have more family memorabilia than you.
 * Most keep track of queries about families that once lived in the area from other distant relatives who may actually have more family memorabilia than you.


 * If you can find the society on the internet, they may list their holdings. Or call them on the phone, find out what they have, and find out what arrangements can be made to search their collection. Frequently, you can hire one of their members to search the collection for you.

This online directory by GenealogyInc. lists historical and genealogical societies by county: Click on the map to select a county, then scroll down to the historical or genealogical society listings. Here is an example of an internet website for a local genealogical society.

Historical Images
Records collected and digitized by FamilySearch can all be found through their Historical Images feature.
 * Maryland, United States Historical Images, New Version
 * Maryland, United States Historical Images, Old Version

Maryland Online Genealogy Records
Search any other online records listed in Maryland Online Genealogy Records. The steps given here are intended to list record sources which can most efficiently identify descendants. Many other online records which might or might not mention descendants are listed in the Maryland Online Genealogy Records page, including immigration records, land records, military records, newspapers, and probate records, and others. These can be records that cover a smaller group within the population, such as men who served in the military, etc.
 * Maryland Online Genealogy Records

Step 12: Study the Research Wiki pages for any county in Maryland.
This article focused more on Maryland state or state-wide records. There is a separate Wiki article for each county in Maryland. These articles give information, office addresses, and links to county records.