How to explore your family tree





Image

familytree




It seems like more and more people are getting into genealogy.

Last weekend, the News Tribune had a nice story about South Sound women exploring their family histories. Many people, including genealogy buffs, have been watching an interesting new NBC show called “Who Do You Think You Are?” which explores the family history of certain celebrities. While many of us know a lot about our family’s history and background, there is a large segment out there who doesn’t but wants to find out.

Researching one’s family tree is a challenging, time-consuming task. While there isn’t a TV show that spotlights our own family history, the folks at the State Archives and State Library have the resources and knowledge to help you start your ancestral exploration.

Click here to check out all of the genealogical resources provided by our State Archives and State Library. You’ll have access to a wide range of stuff, including:
  • a large collection of historical newspapers in Washington

  • obituaries in Washington newspapers

  • Washington digital collections

  • telephone directories

  • a death records index

  • marriage records

  • military records

  • territorial assessment rolls

  • additional state or local genealogical sources


You can also get help by going to “Ask an Archivist” or by clicking on “Ask a Librarian."

To get a taste of the great genealogical firepower at the Archives and State Library, check out the presentations that several Archives and Library staffers made at the “Ruddell Riddle” event last January in Olympia.
(no html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Image
Image of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

Search Our Corner

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.