Genealogy Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the collection
Can my local library borrow books in your genealogical collection for me through Interlibrary Loan?
No. Genealogical reference materials do not circulate through Interlibrary Loan.
Do you have a record of the marriage of my great-grandparents?
Marriage bonds were in use in North Carolina from 1741 to 1868. The North Carolina State Archives has a master statewide bride and groom index to the surviving bonds, and although it cannot be reproduced selectively for a family name, their staff can check it for a specific marriage for correspondents. Names of parents, age, or other personal information does not usually appear on the bonds.
For information on marriages after 1868, write to the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage occurred. To find the Register of Deeds, you may want to look at the NC Directory of State and County Officials from the Secretary of State's office.
Do you have any family histories on my family? Do you have any family "surname files?"
Our library catalog can be searched by subject and title keyword to determine if there are books, periodicals, or genealogy vertical file materials available for a specific surname.
Questions about our policies
Can you send me a copy of the will of my ancestor from Surry County Will Book 2, page 100?
Wills are among the original and microfilmed records in the custody of the North Carolina State Archives.
Can you send me photocopies of an entire family history from your collection?
The State Library cannot provide photocopies of an entire book.
Can I purchase a specific published family history from you? If not, can you advise where I might find one?
The State Library does not sell books. Family histories are generally not available through standard bookstores, and usually go out of print fairly quickly. Cyndi's List of Genealogical Sites on the Internet provides links to "Family History Publishers" and "Used Books, Rare Books, and Book Search Services" under the category index to "Books".
Can you send me a copy of the 1900 census record of my ancestor?
Our staff cannot search microfilmed records for correspondents. Please visit us in Raleigh to view the records or check with your local public library regarding web access to a genealogy databases (like Ancestry or HeritageQuest) which may include census records.
Census microfilm rolls may be rented by becoming a member of the National Archives Rental Program or by ordering through your local library from the National Archives Rental Program.
Questions about genealogy
Where can I find North Carolina vital records?
Birth and death records were not kept as public records in North Carolina until 1913. For death certificates from 1913 to 1955, please write to the North Carolina State Archives. For all birth certificates and death certificates, write to the North Carolina Vital Records.
Why am I unable to find my Smith ancestor in Yancey County in early North Carolina census indexes? His Missouri tombstone states that he was born there in 1765.
You should check the North Carolina County Formation page on our genealogical web pages to ascertain when this county was formed and from which county/counties it was created.
Can you tell me in which North Carolina county my Smith ancestor was born? The 1850 Alabama census indicates this as his place of birth.
For people who left North Carolina, the clue to the North Carolina county from which they came is often found in the records of their next place of residence. The records of that place should be exhaustively searched before research is attempted in North Carolina. Tracking an Ancestor Back to North Carolina offers further suggestions to help you with this common problem.
Would you refer me to a professional genealogist whom I might hire?
To request the North Carolina Archives "List of Researchers" (a compilation of "persons who have indicated a willingness to perform genealogical research for a fee"), write or email the State Library or the State Archives. Neither agency can recommend a particular researcher.
The Board for Certification of Genealogists has compiled an alphabetical roster, by area of residence/specialization, of professional genealogists whom it has certified in genealogy.
What are some websites that can help me find out about my family history?
