Connecticut genealogy records provide information that can change lives. The details on these records range widely. Unfortunately, to find information related to your family, you will need to invest time into doing some research. There are numerous sources of information out there, but tracking down the right source could mean learning a great deal about your family tree. You may learn things such as your family's property records. You will learn about those who moved to the US and those who were practicing various religious.

The key to finding information is to use a variety of sources. By comparing the information obtained from a variety of sources, and by locating as much detail as possible, your chances of getting the information you want and need is easy to do. The good news is that in Connecticut, you have a strong number of resources to turn to in order to get information.

It is a good idea to start your search at the state level. What you may not realize, though, is that the state did not always collect this information. In Connecticut, records are very old. Some date back as far as 1640, though not always complete. The state began to require individuals who were getting married to alert them of this information starting in 1640. However, since the area was not yet a state, this information was recorded at a lower level office, usually the county clerk's or township's offices. If you are looking for any records dating from that late, these local resources are going to be the best choice possible.

Connecticut established the State Board of health in 1870. At that time, all towns were required to send documents about a person's birth, death or marriage to the state. You will find many older records moved from towns to this location. You can even find records as old as 1640 at this location. However, finding this information remains difficult to do. For these records searches, start with the Vital Records Department.

You can write to or visit that location at the following address for a historical records search.

Vital Records Department

150 Washington Street

Hartford, Connecticut 06106

It is also possible that you can research this information by a phone request. To do that, call 860 566-2334. Connecticut genealogy records from this association are good, but not enough. Additional sources of information are available. Each county has records on file from the census conducted in 1910. The Connecticut Births and Christenings Index is outstanding as it has many records dating from 1649 through 1906 on file at the Family History Library and Family History Center. You can also check out the death records available through the Connecticut Death and Burials Directory.

Connecticut genealogy records from hundreds of years ago can answer many of your questions. It takes some time to find these records, though. Most people will be able to get additional information from cemeteries in the area, churches that have been present for hundreds of years and from military records.

• Connecticut Genealogy