This file is as complete and accurate as possible, however if you should find errors, have additions or deletions, send them to me and I will update the file. Bill Green bgreen@milo.nodak.edu bill90@Delphi.Com Date of last update: 4 November 1993 ************************************************************************* GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 4 March 1989 Robert McLaren 7810 Kincardine Ct. Alexandria, VA 22310-4025 The following file contains a listing of genealogical and historical societies in New Hampshire. Included in the listing, where known, are telephone numbers and yearly dues. This listing is donated to the public domain and may be freely copied. Under no conditions can this listing be sold or used in any other commercial fashion. If you think this list has any value, then donate that value in helping your local genealogical society (or the National Genealogical Society). If you write to any of the societies on this list for information, remember to include a self addressed stamped envelop (SASE). Many of these societies work with a limited budget, supplemented by volunteers, and can not afford to respond unless a SASE is included in your letter. New Hampshire Society of Genealogists P.O. Box 633 Exeter, NH 03833 Dues: New Hampshire Historical Society 30 Park Street Concord, NH 03301 Dues: Carrol County Carrol County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists c/o Betty Godfrey P.O. Box 250 Freedom, NH 03836 Dues: Grafton County North County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists c/o Elva Reeg P.O. Box 618 Littleton, NH 03561 Dues: Merrimack County Merrimack County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists c/o Priscilla Bohana Rt. 1 Coontoocook, NH 03229 Dues: Rockingham County Rockingham County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists P.O. Box 81 Exeter, NH 03833-0081 Dues: Strafford County Strafford County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists P.O. Box 322 Dover, NH 03820 Dues: Whillsboro County Acadian Genealogical and Historical Association P.O. Box 668 Manchester, NH 03105 Dues: ************************************************************************** VITAL RECORDS TOWN RECORDS In New England, the town clerk is the principal record keeper on the local level. The earliest records are called proprietor's records. Town records generally begin with the founding of a town and are kept to the present. Town records may contain records of births, marriages, burials, cemeteries, appointments, earmarks, estrays (records of stray animals), freemens' oaths (men becoming eligible to vote), land records, mortgages, name changes, care of the poor, school records, surveys, tax lists, town meeting minutes, voter registrations, and "warning outs" (of town). The original records are in the respective town clerk's office, at the New Hampshire Historical Society, or at the New Hampshire Division of Records Management and Archives. Town Records of Births and Deaths Early vital records exist from the date of organization of each town--some as early as 1639. Town clerks were required by law to keep records, starting in 1686. The original records are located in the respective town clerk's office. State Records of Births and Deaths In 1883 the state required the towns to send copies to the state of the vital records in their possession and all subsequent registrations. The town clerks copied their information onto cards and sent the cards to the New Hampshire Bureau of Vital Records. This was generally complied with by 1901. The cards are filed alphabetically by the first and third letters, rather than in regular alphabetical order. You can obtain copies of the state records by writing to: Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics Health and Welfare Building Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03301 State your relationship to the individual and the reason you want the information. Until 1883 less than half of the population was recorded in the vital records. Moreover, these records often gave very little information about parents and their birthplaces. After 1901 the records are very complete and give much more genealogical information. Marriage Records Town clerks began recording marriages as early as 1639. As described above, the information was recorded on cards and sent to the Bureau of Vital Records. The cards are arranged by the groom's surname and filed by the first and third letters. After 1901 the records are very complete and give more information, such as the parents' names and birthplaces. You can write to the Bureau of Vital Records (address given above) for copies. The New Hampshire Society has a Card Index to Publishments of Marriage (Intention) Prior to 1900 (FHL film 1,001,439). They also have a card index to New Hampshire people listed in the published vital records of Massachusetts (7 films). Divorce Records Divorce proceedings are usually kept by the clerk of the Superior Court of each county. Divorce records prior to 1938 are at the Bureau of Vital Records (see above). The Bureau of Vital Records has an index to divorces and annulments prior to 1938 (Source: FHC Research Guide) ************************************************************************** STATE ARCHIVES New Hampshire Division of Records Management and Archives 71 South Fruit Street Concord, NH 03301 New Hampshire Historical Society 30 Park Street Concord, NH 03301 New Hampshire State Library 20 Park Street Concord, NH 03301 (Source: FHC Research Guide) **************************************************************************** NEWSPAPER GENEALOGICAL COLUMNS ----- **************************************************************************** * Bill Green Minot, North Dakota 58701 * Home of the * * bgreen@milo.NoDak.Edu * NORSK H0STFEST * * Bill90@Delphi.Com * Velkommen! * ****************************************************************************