If you live in North Carolina, genealogy records searches may be easier to do than you think. Those who are building a family tree or researching information about their family members (including medical information or property records) will want to use multiple sources within the state and the surrounding area to help flesh out the details. Every situation is a bit different, but in most scenarios, there are a number of great opportunities available to individuals to learn about their families. Since this area was settled in the 1600's or even sooner, there are old records available, though they are not easy to find.
 

If you are looking for information to complete North Carolina genealogy records, you will want to start with the state's resources. In the state, the record keeping was done on a local basis for many years. In fact, the state did not pass a law until March of 1913 requiring the state to be informed of all births, deaths or marriages at the state level. It would take until 1920 before the state had full compliance with this law. Marriage records, on the other hand, did not get recorded in the same way early on. Rather, from 1868 onward, the register of Deeds with the state recorded all marriage documents. If you need marriage records older than this, though, the only options were those from churches.
 

If you are looking for birth or death records from 1913 onward, it is best to contact the department of environment within the state. You can write or visit this agency at the following address for North Carolina genealogy records searches.
 

North Carolina Department of Environment

Health and Natural Resources

Vital Records Section

225 North McDowell Street

PO Box 29537

Raleigh, North Carolina 27626
 

In North Carolina, other resources can also provide you with help in locating your family's past. For example, the state does have a long history of churches. Many of these churches were established in the 1600's, 1700's or onward. The older they are, the more records they are likely to have. If you know that the family member was a member of a church or a religious following, use those resources in the area that date back to the family member's lifetime to get more information. You can also use cemetery records. Some of the churches also kept these records on hand. That can help you to answer many family questions.
 

Other resources for completing your North Carolina genealogy records include military records, census information and even colleges in the area. The more that you learn about your family and what they did while they were alive then the more data you will find available to you to back up the information. Do look to the 1840 Pensioners database for military records from that time. You can also use Native American data to help you to learn more about those who were a part of the Cherokee tribes or other tribes from the region. There is a wealth of information out there for your needs.

• North Carolina Genealogy