Staff at Lithgow Public Library have compiled several resources that are useful for genealogy and family history research. Resources include databases, online collections, historical data, land research tools, maps, newspapers, and more.
Looking to get into genealogy but don’t know where to start? Karen has put together a beginner’s guide to get you started:
Here are some other Genealogy resources that Karen recommends:
Ancestry.com has some helpful free resources:
Some Software options for creating a Family Tree:
Recommended Genealogy Books:
Augusta:
Maine Genealogy provides databases with indexes, but another valuable service offered here is information about locations in Maine. Follow this link to learn about Augusta’s background – when it was incorporated, previous designations, boundary changes, links to related resources, a bibliography, and more.
The Familysearch Wiki location pages contain a wealth of information including maps, links to online collections, background information, and much more. The amount of information varies, but the Augusta page does have a fair amount. Researchers can also submit requests to add specific information or links.
Kennebec Historical Society has collections of archival manuscripts and other materials, newspaper clippings, indexes, and more. Be sure to check out their Links page for lists of other Local Historical & Genealogy Societies & Organizations.
Maine Military Historical Society is dedicated to Maine’s military history and is for “those who served, as well as those who never had the opportunity…for the student” and anyone interested in learning about Maine people who have served their state and country.
City of Augusta website includes a webpage for the History of Augusta. One of the links included on the sidebar is to the Museum in the Streets, which is another great way to explore the city’s history.
City of Augusta website includes a webpage for Property Tax Maps, which includes Aerial Maps & Property Data.
City of Augusta’s Online Assessment Database provides public information about property. Search parcels by map and lot to find information about history of ownership and more.
This information can then be used for deed searches at the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds.
Maine Memory Network is developed by Maine Historical Society and contains images, documents, and information from all over Maine. This link goes directly to search results for Augusta, but researchers are encouraged to explore further.
Historic book: The history of Augusta, from the earliest settlement to the present time: with notices of the Plymouth Company, and settlements on the Kennebec; together with biographical sketches and genealogical register : North, James William; 1870 can be found online at the Internet Archive. The book can be read online or downloaded for free. This book can also be found at Google Books.
Maine:
Cyndislist is a card catalog of genealogy websites. Visitors will find many categories of websites, such as Adoption, Immigration, Occupations, Publications, Town Records, and much more. This link goes directly to the Maine webpage, but researchers are encouraged to explore further.
The Familysearch Wiki location pages contain a wealth of information including maps, links to online collections, background information, and much more. The amount of information varies, but the Maine page is fairly extensive. Researchers can also submit requests to add specific information or links.
Maine GenWeb, part of USGenWeb Project, provides historical data, indexes, and more.
Maine: An Encyclopedia provides historical data about locations, ecology, economy, government, recreation, and many other topics in Maine, and even offers a pronunciation guide.
Maine Probate website allows researchers to search for probate records online.
Maine Registers of Deeds Associations is the Official Land records Website for Maine and contains links to all county deeds offices in Maine.
Library of Congress has thousands of maps. This links goes directly to search results for Maine maps but researchers are encouraged to explore further.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers is a project of Library of Congress and National Endowment for the Humanities. Digitized newspapers range from 1770-1963. The website also includes a US Newspaper Directory, 1690-present, which lists titles of newspapers that have existed in each state. This link goes directly to the search results for digitized Maine newspapers. Click here to go directly to the search results for all Maine newspapers listed in the directory.
Maine State Archives contains an amazing range of historic materials. Some materials are digitized and added to the Digital Maine Repository or to the Digital Maine Transcription Project. Many items that aren’t digitized may be viewed at the archives, though it’s best to check the catalog before visiting, and to look over their Hours and Contact Information page as they do require visitors to fill out a researcher registration form.
Digital Maine Repository is a service of the Maine State Library which provides a free repository for digital materials from Maine libraries, archives, museums, and historical and genealogical societies, and more. The site contains items from many organizations across the state and is a great way to discover both materials and cultural institutions.
Digital Maine Transcription Project is a collaboration between the Maine State Archives and the Maine State Library. This project is a great way to get involved in making our history more accessible!
Maine State Library contains many genealogy and history resources. An added bonus is that one of the Reference Librarians, B.J. Jamieson, is a Genealogy Specialist and has a wealth of knowledge to share. Be sure to sign up to join her Thursday evening Genealogy Club sessions on Zoom.
Maine Historic Preservation Commission helps preserve Maine’s “architectural, historic and environmental heritage”, and develops and promotes the benefits of these resources. The organization includes resources for Native American history, historic archaeology, National Register of Historic Places, The Cultural & Architectural Resource Management Archive (CARMA) Map Viewer, and more.
Maine State Museum might be temporarily closed until about 2025, but researchers and anyone else interested in history can still find online exhibits and the Online Collection Database. The information found in museums provides valuable social history, which helps to better understand our ancestors’ lives.
Maine Historical Society has an extensive collection of archival materials, books, and more about Maine, New England, and even beyond. They also offer research, archival, and imaging services, publish Maine History journal, and provide resources for teachers and other educators.
The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education (OML) The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education has an impressive collection of maps and materials related to maps, including books, posters, and even games. The maps range in geographic scope and time, covering locations all around the world and dating back to 1475. Several thousand of these maps and other items are digitized and available to view online. Some of their programs have been recorded and are also available online.
Beyond Maine:
Digital Maine Library contains many databases on a variety of topics, including many related to genealogy and history such as: Ancestry Library Edition, MyHeritage Library Edition, Black Freedom Struggles in the United States, Maine News (ProQuest), and more. Search by subject, by the A-Z list, or simply browse.
Ancestry Library Edition is a genealogy website containing collections of many different types of records, including census, immigration, and military, as well as digital books, and more. This edition of Ancestry is free to access onsite at many public libraries through Digital Maine Library, including Lithgow.
MyHeritage is a genealogy website containing collections of many different types of records, including census, immigration, and military, as well as digital books, and more. The Library Edition can be accessed for free from home through Digital Maine Library.
David Rumsey Map Collection contains thousands of maps, including some from Maine.
Newbury Atlas of Historical County Boundaries allows researchers to see boundary changes over time in the United States.