Virginia Introduction

United States   Virginia    Introduction

This set of Wiki pages describes major sources of information about families from Virginia. 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 Virginia Wiki pages. The library's major holdings include census, vital, land, probate, biographical, military, and church records.

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 - MILITARY RECORDS
 * VIRGINIA - CENSUS
 * VIRGINIA, FAIRFAX - VITAL RECORD
 * VIRGINIA, FAIRFAX, BELMONT - HISTORY
 * VIRGINIA, CHESAPEAKE (INDEPENDENT CITY) - PROBATE RECORDS


 * The record type you want to search, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS
 * VIRGINIA - CENSUS
 * VIRGINIA, FAIRFAX - VITAL RECORD
 * VIRGINIA, FAIRFAX, BELMONT - HISTORY
 * VIRGINIA, CHESAPEAKE (INDEPENDENT CITY) - PROBATE RECORDS

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