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Research in Virginia Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources
Welcome to the Virginia family history research page. Here you'll find record collection links, history, and genealogy resources to help you trace your Virginia ancestors.
Virginia is definitely one of the most historic of all the states. It was one of the first settled and where so many major events have occurred. Because of this it is often the subject of genealogical searches done by people seeking information about their African American heritage, Native American heritage, colonial ancestors, and many more. This article is going to look at the best ways for searching for Virginia genealogy data.
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Virginia Facts
Virginia has played a large role in United States history, especially in colonial times. In 1607 Jamestown was founded. It was the first permanent settlement established by English settlers. In 1619, the practice of slavery began in the area. Virginia was also home to both the Revolutionary War surrender at Yorktown and the Civil War surrender at Appomattox. Eight of the Presidents of the United States have been born in Virginia, which is why the state is known as the "Mother of Presidents."
The eight original shires were: Accawmack, Charles City, Charles River, Elizabeth City, Henrico, James City, Warrosquyoake, and Warwick River. See also Virginia History Page for more Details
Virginia entered the union as the 10th state on June 25, 1788.It 95 Counties and 39 independent cities. The capital is Richmond and the official state website is www.va.gov/.
Virginia is bordered by Kentucky (southwest), Maryland (north), North Carolina (south), Tennessee (southwest), West Virginia (northwest) and Washington, District of Columbia. It has a land area of 42,769 square miles making it the 35th largest state. The 2010 population was 8,001,024 and the largest cities (2010) are Virginia Beach, 437,994; Norfolk, 242,803; Chesapeake, 222,209; Richmond , 204,214; Newport News , 180,719; Alexandria , 139,966; Hampton , 137,436; Roanoke , 97,032; Portsmouth, 95,535; Suffolk, 84,585.
Virginia was named for Queen Elizabeth I of England (she was known as the Virgin Queen). Sir Walter Raleigh may have suggested this name around 1584 . Virginia's state nickname is " Old Dominion ". The State Motto is " Sic Semper Tyrannis " which means Thus Always to Tyrants .
Reliable Tactics for Virginia Genealogy Projects
The Best Approaches for Virginia Genealogy - The first bits of information for Virginia genealogy research are often found through the use of a computer, but some will require a visit to a museum, library or archive of some kind. How do you learn which is which? It is done through simple searches and by understanding the ways that genealogical data tends to be organized.
There is a lot of “digitizing” going on in once private archives and collections. These have now become searchable online databases. Taking the time to use such tools will save you from wasted journeys, and can even allow you to discover where valuable data is located.
Finding Resources for Virginia Genealogy - The public records that can be found in many physical locations are also found readily online too. You must know how to look for them, however, and using the following categories will be essential to your search for Virginia genealogy information:
- State Records – this group includes probate information, birth certificates, cemetery information, death records, deeds, estate information, genealogical folders, land records, maps, marriage details, military or veterans information, newspapers, private manuscripts, state census information, surname lists and more. These are available as online and offline resources for Virginia genealogy.
- Local Records – traditionally, state research requires a visit to a county clerk’s office or website. From there you will often find yourself at small local libraries, historical societies, local genealogical societies, and school or college libraries for Virginia genealogy information. These are items that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
- Vital Records – these are the birth, marriage, divorce and death records from county, state, and national archives. They include newspaper items, military records, immigration and naturalization details, cemetery or obituary information, census records, and passenger lists and records as well. These tend to be available as online or offline resources for Virginia genealogy.
Effective Resources for Virginia Genealogy - Once you begin using the most direct sources for Virginia genealogy research, you understand which have the most information for your needs. Below are the details for some of the best tools for Virginia genealogy:
- Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/virginia.htm
Additional state and local records can be found at the:
- Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000; Website: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/index.htm
You will also want to explore the many resources available to those using the Virginia Genealogical Society’s website at: http://www.vgs.org/.
Additionally, the following websites provide state-specific details to those in search of facts for Virginia genealogy projects.
- A Guide to Genealogical Resources at the University of Virginia (lib.virginia.edu)
- Research in Library of Virginia Collections (lva.virginia.gov)
- Virginia Genealogy Network (facebook.com)
- USGenweb - Virginia Genealogy (vagenweb.org)
- The Virginia Family Group Sheet Project (fgs-project.com)
- Free GenForum Message Boards - Virginia (genforum.genealogy.com)
- Free Rootsweb Message Boards - Virginia (boards.ancestry.com)
- Cyndis List Virginia Links (cyndislist.com)
- Virginia Mailing List (rootsweb.ancestry.com)
- Virginia American History and Genealogy Project (usgennet.org)
- Virginia (wikipedia.org)
- Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) - Virginia (raogk.org)
- Virginia Genealogy Look Ups (geneasearch.com)
- USGenWeb Archives Project for Virginia (usgwarchives.net)
- Background Sources for Virginia (ancestry.com) from Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.
- Encyclopedia of Virginia (encyclopediavirginia.org) - free, online resource on Virginia history, culture, geography, and natural environment.
- Virginia Migrations Project (rootsweb.ancestry.com)
