Wisconsin genealogy records can add a great deal of information that is invaluable for families. The records are widely available from numerous organizations but there is not just one single source of information. It is up to the individual to look through numerous resources and to search various records to find the most important pieces to the puzzle. That is not easy to do. However, in Wisconsin several key sources of information can answer many of the questions you have. Use these records to learn about family members you did not know about or use it to piece together property records.

There is a wealth of information available for Wisconsin genealogy records. However, it is not all easy to find. For starters, the state did not collect much of the information necessary to compile vital records during its early years. Prior to becoming a state itself, those who lived in Wisconsin only gathered information to report at the town or county level. That makes it harder to track most information.

The state did begin requiring that individuals report the births of those people in the state in 1852. However, most towns did not report this information. It would not be until 1878 when a law was put into place requiring more detailed information to be reported that things began to change, but that took time, too. It was not until 1907 that the state's Bureau of Vital Statistics was first established and that is when records became more readily available. If you are looking for birth, death or marriage records in Wisconsin, do so through this department. You can write to visit the following address:

Wisconsin State Department of Health

Vital Records Division

One West Wilson Street

PO Box 309

Madison, Wisconsin 53701

The information there can get you started on the right path to building your family tree. From this point, you will want to use other government records to help build your Wisconsin genealogy records. For example, there are some documents available from the 1800's including the 1883 Business Directory. It contains the names of owners and their families for businesses of that time. You can also visit the State Historical Society of Wisconsin to perform a search or just to gather more information about your family's history. Chances are good you will find some of the best information here.

Use Wisconsin cemeteries to help you to build the Wisconsin genealogy records out. you can also gather a great deal of information from the churches in the area. Prior to the county formations and before that the establishment of town government, those in Wisconsin reported solely to their churches. These churches have some of the best information including births, deaths, marriages and even property records. Town clerks in some of the oldest cities in the state also have a good deal of information.

When creating Wisconsin genealogy records, the more information you have from various sources, the better. It can be an ideal way to learn about your family and about the past.

• Wisconsin Genealogy