Finding California genealogy records is a process that often takes a lot of time and effort, but it can pay off in a very big way. If you have loved ones or distant family that you would like to locate, one of the best ways to do so is through these records searches. The question often is, where should you start? In California, which has a very long and often times crazy history, you will need to start with as much information as you have and work outward. There are some great tools available to help you.

The top California genealogy records often start with the vital records. Vital records in California are on file for hundreds of years. However, only the most recent documents are available at the state level. The state did not require individuals to have information reported to the state level until the early 1900's and even then, it took some time to reach full compliance. Nevertheless, this is a good place to start your search. You can write to or visit the facility at the following address for more information:

California Department of health Services

MS 5103

PO Box 997410

Sacramento, California 95899

Sometimes, you can make a request for one of the documents you need by phone. To do so, call 906 445-1719. You may then work through a prompter that asks for information related to your search. There is a nominal fee of $14 paid to access any type of vital record, including birth and death records. The state also has marriage and divorce records on file. You can access any of this information to learn about your family.

There are many other options for tracking California genealogy records, though. For example, there are a few cemeteries in the area that can help you. Some of the largest include the Venice Hill Cemetery, Lyn Cove Cemetery and the Elbow Creek Cemetery in Tulare County. Other cemeteries local to where your family lived may also help.

The 1910 Census that took place was also an excellent tool. It helped to establish not only those who lived in the area but also the property records of individuals. You can search through the California 1910 Census information in some situations. Due to the gold mining immigration and the immigration that occurred from Mexico, the search for very old records in the state of California is difficult. Many people simply were never on these records. However, numerous organizations keep track of this information.

Check with local churches to learn more about California genealogy records dating into the 1700's in some cases. You can also use military records, county directories and Native American records to help you to build your family tree. However, California genealogy records searches are often long processes. You may find it will take you a significant amount of time to locate some of the oldest records. Some government agencies, including the Department of Vital Records, do not conduct records searches right away and do so when time permits.

• California Genealogy