Wisconsin Research Tips and Strategies

Wisconsin Research Strategies
Below are links to different research strategy pages to help you locate your ancestors in Wisconsin


 * Wisconsin Online Genealogy Records
 * How to find Wisconsin Birth Records
 * How to find Wisconsin Marriage Records
 * How to find Wisconsin Death Records

Wisconsin Research Tips
These tips will help you as you research your ancestors in Wisconsin.


 * Birth information: The state directed the counties in 1852 to record births, but the directive was largely ignored. Another law was established in 1878 which garnered more support. Statewide registration of births began in 1907. 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: Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 in Wisconsin and was generally complied with by 1908. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Wisconsin 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.

Wisconsin Record Finder
This Record Finder is designed to help you determine the best record to search for the type of information you are looking for. It is most helpful for post-1850 research.

Further Wisconsin Research
For more research on Wisconsin, including research at the county level, visit the Wisconsin page on the Research Wiki.

Search all of the Wisconsin record collections at FamilySearch.