In Mississippi, genealogy records provide a fantastic resource for families. These records often provide the most in depth information for families who want to know more about their history. Questions about who was in their family or where they lived often come up. You may want to take it even farther back and find out when your family arrived in the United States. As you learn more information about the state and its various resources, you will quickly learn about additional locations for gathering these details. If you are looking for information on your family, start with a state search.
 

For those conducting Mississippi genealogy records searches, a good place to start is with the state's actual records of vital activities. For many people, this means turning to the department of health. In Mississippi, there was no collection of any birth or death records in the state until November of 1912. Marriages were also kept on file but those did not begin being collected until 1926. As you look for information, then, you will need to consider the age of the record and the right source. If you are looking for any birth record or death record from November of 1912 through now, or any marriage record from 1926 onward, write to or visit the following address:
 

Mississippi State Department of Health

Vital Records Division

2423 North Sate Street

Jackson, Mississippi, 39216
 

Keep in mind that counties did collect this information as well. Towns also did. There is also the risk that those who are African American may not be able to find this information from the 1800's through the mid-1900's due to separation. However, the best resources for finding any birth, death and marriage records are through the actual town clerk's office where the event occurred.
 

From this point, it is a good idea to turn to other resources to complete your Mississippi genealogy records search. For example, the state has some of the largest and oldest churches in the region. If you family was a part of any church or could have been, turn to these resources to find out if they were a part of it. Many times, these organizations kept detailed records that included everything from the person's name, birth date, marriage, religious services and their death. Next of kin and information on entire families may also be available here.
 

For other resources, turn to the cemeteries in the area. One of the oldest is the Bluff Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. You may also want to turn to census records. A statewide census occurred in 1850 and then a countywide census occurred in 1910. These records can often answer many questions as well. Military records, property ownership records and biographies can also provide some insight on families and individuals. In addition, you may want to turn to the VA to get access to the 1840 Pensioners Database, which contains a great deal of information on those who served in the military. All of this information can add up to tell you all you need to know to complete your Mississippi genealogy records.

• Mississippi Genealogy