Maine

Maine Research Notes

Before statehood in 1820, Maine was a part of Massachusetts.  As a result, some records of early Maine may be found in Massachusetts archives.  See the Massachusetts state page for information on available Massachusetts resources.

Maine is included in all U.S. Federal Censuses beginning in 1790.  However, some census records for Maine are incomplete, including York County (1800); Oxford County (1810); and Washington County (1820).  In 1837, a state census was taken, but only the head of household enumerations for Bangor, Portland, and unincorporated areas survive. The Maine Historical Society also holds an original volume enumerating the town of Elliot.

Maine Vital Records

By the eighteenth century, over 200 towns were recording the vital events of birth, marriage, and death. They continued reasonably well until Maine became a separate state in 1820.

Following statehood, records were not consistently kept at first, but most towns have good records of marriage intentions and births. After 1864, town clerks forwarded rec0rds births, deaths, and marriages to the secretary of state, though there was not total compliance.  Mandatory reporting was implemented in 1892 when the State Board of Vital Statistics was established.

• Maine Public Human Services - Office of Vital Records: Holds records of births, marriages, and deaths since 1923.

• Maine State Archives: Holds records of births, marriages and deaths which occurred between 1892 and 1922. (Earlier records may be available from the Town Clerk of the Town where the event occurred.)  Searchable indexes of marriages (1892-1996) and deaths (1960-1996) are available on the Archives website.

Maine Research Resources

The organizations listed below provide information about Mainehistory and genealogy. In addition to these state-level resources, many counties and towns maintain important genealogical collections in local libraries, genealogical societies, or historical societies, so check for a local resource when researching.

Statewide Research Resources

• State of Maine Genealogy Resources page: This page provides an overview of Maine-based genealogy resources, including contact information for town and county historical societies.

• Maine State Archives: In addition to early vital records, the Archives holds land, military, court, and legislative records.  The related Maine Archives Interactive website offers a searchable index of selected records held at the State Archives.

• Maine State Library (MSL): The Library’s collections include many records of interest to genealogists. The genealogy page contains information on available collections.

• Maine Historical Society (MHS): With a focus on Maine history, MHS’s resources are useful for genealogy research.  In addition to a research library, MHS maintains several online resources, including the Maine Memory Network, a digital collection of images and historical items.
• Maine Genealogical Society: The Society publishes the journal The Maine Genealogist and holds an annual conference.
• The National Archives at Boston: This facility maintains records from Federal agencies and courts in Maine, including census, military, court, naturalization, and immigration records.
• New England Historic Genealogical Society: NEHGS holds a wide range of records on New England states, including Maine.

Specialty and Regional Research

•  Maine Folklife Center: This archive at the University of Maine at Orono holds a collection of oral histories, interviews, and printed materials covering occupations, community histories, Maine lore and legends, and traditional music.
• Maine Maritime Museum: An on-site research library is available by appointment for research on Maine ships, maritime businesses, people, ports, and nautical artifacts.
• Penobscot Marine Museum: The Stephen Phillips Memorial Library houses collections in maritime history, mid-coast Maine history, and Maine genealogy.  The Library is open by appointment.