Michigan Genealogy

USA (1,379,301) > Michigan (33,705)

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Overview of Michigan records

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Overview of Michigan Genealogy Records

• History: Michigan was first settled in 1783, became part of Indiana Territory in 1800, became Michigan Territory in 1805, and became a state in 1837.
• Birth records: Birth records were kept in Michigan starting in 1867 with complete records by 1915. Copies of birth records for 1867 and later can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Marriage records: Marriage records were kept in most counties from the date the county was created. Statewide registration began in 1867. Recent marriage certificates can be obtained from the county clerk's office. Copies of marriage records for 1867 and later can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Death records: Death records were kept in Michigan starting in 1867 with complete records by 1915. Copies of death records for 1867 and later can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
• Divorce records: Divorce records can be obtained from the individual county courts. Divorce records for 1897 and later can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
• Census records: The first federal census available for Michigan is 1840. There are federal censuses publicly available for 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 (partial), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950. There were territorial censuses taken in 1820, 1827, 1830, and 1834, and state censuses taken in 1845 and 1894.
• Naturalization records: Naturalization records can be obtained from the county clerks.
• County records: Court, land, probate, and tax records were kept by the individual counties.
• Other records: Many cities and towns had newspapers, records kept by churches, cemeteries, histories, school, city directories, and other records that can be located on the city pages on this site. Records specific to minority groups can be found in the Minority Records section.
• All records: Online indexes and images of many of the above records can be found by using the links on this site.