In Michigan genealogy records, resources can help you to find out what your family did throughout history. The state has one of the largest resources of data for this type of search, but it is not collected all in one area. Rather, if you are looking for information on past relatives or on the property ownership of your family, you will need to take numerous steps to find it. The good news is that most people will learn a great deal about their families through this type of research. In Michigan, individuals will want to start with the most local search possible and then move to a state search if necessary.
 

However, if you cannot find the information you need for Michigan genealogy records, it may pay off to check out some of the details available through the state's resources. There are birth, death and marriage records on file with the state itself. These are not specific certificates but rather registrations or documentations of the events. The state mandated the collection of this information in 1867. If you are looking for any marriage, birth or death record from 1867 through the current time, you may be able to find the information at the following address:
 

Michigan Department of Public Health

Vital Records Section

3423 North Logan Street

PO Box 30035

Lansing, Michigan 48914
 

It is a good idea to spend some time using this resource, but the state's files are only basic. Rather, you may want to turn to the counties in the area. During the early years of the state and even prior to this, many people gathered in towns. The towns hired town clerks who would gather a documentation of all events occurring in the city including all documentation related to marriages, births and deaths. This information later was kept by the county public health offices in the state.
 

Another resource for creating Michigan genealogy records are the state's cemeteries. There are a number of outstanding resources from these facilities. For example, you will learn about the person buried there, but often times family records are linked. You may also learn about where he or she lived as well as the next of kin. In Michigan's Oakland County, visit the Ridgelawn Memorial and North Oxford Cemeteries for additional information and for a records search.
 

The state did participate in numerous censuses. It was a part of a statewide census in 1894, which collected a great deal of information about locals. It also participated in the 1910 census. You may wish to turn to the local churches for additional information. Some of the churches in this area, including the Catholic churches, date back hundreds of years. If they do, chances are good they have a wealth of information available to you. These Michigan genealogy records can provide a wide range of details for individuals, including information about a person's family and their occupation. Other options include using property records, pensioner's documents from the military and using biographies of those who lived and worked in the area.

• Michigan Genealogy

• Western Michigan Genealogical Society