Sept. 26, 2006

A new collection of Michigan vital records, an indispensable tool for family history research, is now available on microfilm at the Library of Michigan.

Michigan Death Records, 1897-1920, were previously available only through a request to the Michigan Vital Records Office for a search fee of at least $26.  Researchers may now search records for free and get copies at a fraction of the cost - 20 cents per photocopy.

The Library of Michigan is able to provide this resource, and additional records collections to be made available in the future, thanks to a donation from the Michigan Genealogical Council. Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom George (Public Act 73 of 2006) allows for the transfer of certain vital records from the state registrar to the Library of Michigan, enabling public access and facilitating genealogical research.

"This is a fitting kickoff to our celebration of Family History Month in October, and we're so grateful to the Michigan Genealogical Council, Sen. George, and all the staff whose hard work helped make it happen," said State Librarian Nancy R. Robertson.  "Increasing access to vital records on microfilm – one of our most heavily used genealogy resources – will benefit family history researchers across the state and even help draw out-of-state visitors who come to use our extensive collection."

This set of records supplements the Library of Michigan's existing vital records collection, which also includes Michigan death records from 1867 to 1897.  Vital records are one of the fundamental resources used in genealogy research. Besides indicating dates of birth, death, marriage and divorce, they can also reveal parents' names and birthplaces, age, marital status and much more.

"This really fills a gap in Michigan genealogical research, and the real winners are the library users who will have access to these records in a way they haven't before," said Randy Riley, special collections manager at the Library of Michigan. "This resource is one more reason the Library of Michigan's genealogy collection is one of the top 10 in the United States."

Michigan Genealogical Council member Joanne Harvey worked with the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and Sen. George's office to create the legislation. These efforts are "a good example of citizens working hand-in-hand with their government officials," Harvey said.

The Michigan Genealogical Council and the Library of Michigan have worked together on many projects over the years, said Judith Moore, executive director of the Library of Michigan Foundation, which accepted the council's donation to fund the purchase of the vital records microfilm.  "I want to thank the council for its continued support of the Library of Michigan," she said.

In celebration of Family History Month, the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan will offer free genealogy workshops throughout October at the Michigan Library and Historical Center.  The workshops will provide tips and tools to help family history researchers trace their heritage using printed primary sources as well as key Web sites and databases.  For more information about Family History Month, visit www.michigan.gov/familyhistory or call (517) 373-1300.

The Library of Michigan is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center at 702 W. Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing.  The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of M.L. King Boulevard.  To learn more about the library's collections and services, visit www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).