This file is as complete and accurate as possible, however if you should find errors, have additions or deletions, send them to me and I will update the file. Bill Green bill90@Delphi.Com Date of last update: 19 February 1995 ************************************************************************** GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF MAINE 5 March 1989 Robert McLaren 7810 Kincardine Ct. Alexandria, VA 22310-4025 The following file contains a listing of genealogical and historical societies in Maine. Included in the listing, where known, are telephone numbers and yearly dues. This listing is donated to the public domain and may be freely copied. Under no conditions can this listing be sold or used in any other commercial fashion. If you think this list has any value, then donate that value in helping your local genealogical society (or the National Genealogical Society). If you write to any of the societies on this list for information, remember to include a self addressed stamped envelop (SASE). Many of these societies work with a limited budget, supplemented by volunteers, and can not afford to respond unless a SASE is included in your letter. Maine Genealogical Society P.O. Box 211 Farmington, ME 04938 Dues: Maine Historical Society 485 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101 Dues: Franco-American Genealogical Society P.O. Box 180 Biddeford, ME 04005 Dues: $10.00 per year Knox County Cmaden Historical Society 80 Mechanic Street Camden, ME 04843 Dues: Oxford County Bethel Historical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 12 Bethel, ME 04217 Dues: Piscataquis County Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society 88 Lincoln St Dover-Foxcroft, Me 04426 Sagadahoc County Patten Free Library Maine History and Genealogy room 33 Summer St. Bath Me 04530 Bath Historical Society Patten Free Library (same address as above) Sagadahoc Preservation Inc 804 Washington St P.O.Box 322 Bath, Me 04530 Pejepscot Historical Society 159 Park Row Brunswick, Me 04011 Washington County Cherryfield-Narraguagus Historical Society P.O. Box 96 Cherryfield, ME Dues: York County Old York Historical Society c/o Karen Temple P.O. Box 312 York, ME 04692 ************************************************************************* VITAL RECORDS Birth, Death, and Marriage Records before 1892 Vital records are kept by town clerks or selectmen (see the "Town Records" section). Although some towns have existed since the 1650s, most vital records date from about 1700. The vital statistics are often arranged by family. Copies of most of the existing pre-1892 vital records are at the Maine State Archives. The Maine State Archives has an index to vital records prior to 1892 of 80 towns on 109 microfilms. This was microfilmed in 1975 and includes records of pre-1892 birth, delayed birth, marriage, and death records. There is also a collection of 141 films, microfilmed in 1953, that has fewer delayed registrations than the 1975 filming. Birth, Death, and Marriage Records Since 1892 State registration of vital statistics began in 1892. You can obtain copies of these records by writing to: The Office of Vital Statistics Department of Human Services State House, Station #11 Augusta, ME 04330 Divorce Records Divorce proceedings prior to 1892 can be found in the court records at the Maine State Archives. The Archives also has an index to divorce cases between 1892 and 1969. Since January 1892 copies of divorce records have been filed with the Office of Vital Statistics (see address above). Original records are in the office of the clerk of the district court where the divorce was granted. (Source: FHC Research Guide) ************************************************************************* STATE ARCHIVES Maine State Archives State House Station 84 Augusta, ME 04333 Maine State Library State House Station 64 Augusta, ME 04333 Bangor Public Library 145 Harlow Street Bangor, ME 04401-1802 University of Maine at Orono Raymond H. Fogler Library Orono, ME 04469 (Source: FHC Research Guide) The Maine State Archives is open 8:00-11:30am and 12:30-4:00pm; 3:00pm on Fridays. (Things could change this summer if the budget situation remains as bad as expected.) Tel: 207-287-5795 (Search Room); 5790 (General Reception). Sorry if you get a recording at times, we're shorthanded. Our address: Cultural Building, #84; Augusta, Maine 04333. We have all vital records 1892- 1922; about 30% of those before 1897. Census, military (substantial Civil War material), courts, etc. We have some index material on ASCII IBM files and sell the disks for $5 a pop. Briefly: 1841-1846 Legislation Titles; References to over 6,000 maps; References to over 6,000 photos (by topic keyword); selected court records (plaintiff-defendant). Call or write for details. Many microfilms, about 10 operating readers; one reader- printer. Photographic copies and photocopies available. We can only respond briefly to mail inquiries. (Yes, Joe Smith was born in Bangor in 1888.) We haven't the staff for moderate or extensive research. You can contract with local researchers if you wish. The Maine State Library also has genealogical resources. They may be reached at 207-287- 5600 and are located in the Cultural Building, as is the State Museum - a great place to visit. ************************************************************************* NEWSPAPER GENEALOGICAL COLUMNS Column Name: Downeast Ancestors Newspaper(s): The Quoddy Times Address: Lee Jeffries c/o The Quoddy Times 123 Eastport Notes: Readership ranges form Ellsworth, Maine, to Calais, Maine, and from Campobello Island to Deer Island, New Brunswick, Canada. (Source: david@frodo.wes.army.mil (David Sanders) Family Ties Column Bangor Daily News Bangor, ME (zip unknown) Downeast Ancestors 5C Apple Orchard Lane Calais, ME 04619 published in the "Wuoddy Tides", Eastport, ME (I received the information on Downeast Ancestors from two different people hence the "Wuoddy" and "Quoddy". Sorry about that.) Portland, Maine: "What's in a Name?" Attn: Erlene Huntress Davis Maine Sunday Telegram P. O. Box 1460 Portland, ME 04104 The following guidance is provided: "Please be sure to print all names and if possible include at least one date and place. Please be patient, there is a backlog." -- **************************************************************************** * Bill Green Minot, North Dakota 58701 * Home of the * * bgreen@milo.NoDak.Edu * NORSK H0STFEST * * Bill90@Delphi.Com * Velkommen! * ****************************************************************************