Genealogy

Informational Guide To Conducting Genealogy
Research In The Town of Fairfield, Maine

Genealogy is the number one hobby in America today. As a result, Municipal Clerks offices receive numerous requests each week for information. Requests are received in person, in the mail, over the phone, and by e-mail messages. Municipalities have different policies regarding conducting genealogy research - some charge by the hour, some charge per search, and some don't charge a fee for searches. This informational guide was developed with the intent to provide information to citizens conducting genealogy research on ancestors from the Fairfield, Maine area. The Fairfield Town Clerk's office charges $1.00 per name search for genealogy searches.  Specific questions regarding office policy for genealogy research in Fairfield should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at (207) 453-7346.

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Helpful hints

• Prior to 1892, towns were not required to file records of birth, marriage and death. Some towns have records before 1892, but these are not a complete recording of events.
• Unsure where the event took place? Begin by contacting the State of Maine Office of Vital Records. They maintain copies of records from every town and city in Maine. You can reach that office at (207) 287-3184.
• Be sure to check family bibles, city directories, obituaries, old maps, old photographs, town history books and old newspapers for information.
• State Archives keeps a list of professional genealogists who will provide research for a fee.

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Helpful Internet Websites

• www.nara.gov - National Archives site - census records from 1790-1920; military records from the Revolutionary War to WW1; military pension records; passport applications back to 1795; ship passenger lists; naturalization; more
• www.usgenweb.org - Links to State and County information.
• www.ancestry.com - Includes Social Security Death Index - find death records by date of death or social security number; databases; more
• www.familysearch.org - Family History Library, Church of the Latter Day Saint/Mormons, Salt Lake City
• www.cyndislist.com - Links to 42,000 genealogy sites - everything from ship's passenger lists to prison rolls
• www.rootsweb.com - Internet's oldest genealogy site - lets you see who is looking for the same surnames you are.
• www.adoptions.com - Good place to start genealogy research if you were adopted.
• www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/ - Local History and Genealogy Reading Room, Library of Congress
• www.genealogynews.com - Online Newsletter
• www.ngsgenealogy.org - National Genealogical Society
• www.pbs.org/kbyu/ - PBS Television Series called "Ancestors" ancestors
• www.fairfieldmehistoricalsociety.net - Fairfield Historical Society 

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Genealogy Research

Town of Fairfield Municipal Records

Birth, marriage and death records are available for Fairfield residents, and if the event took place in Fairfield (example - child born at home, or death occurring in Fairfield). Records from present date back to 1788. Records before 1892 are not a complete listing. The Town of Fairfield has an index file for residents to search through for genealogical purposes for the years 1788 to 2004. Records for the year 2005 forward are available on the Town Clerk's computer at the Town Office. The Town Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee for a photocopy of the index cards stamped "Not for Legal Use" is $0.25 per index card. If you need a certified copy of a record, you will need to fill out an application. The fee for the first copy of a certified record is $10.00. Any additional certified copies of the same record are $5.00 each. If the Town Clerk is conducting the search for you, there will be a fee of $1.00 per name search. Make checks payable to Town of Fairfield.

List of Agencies & Organizations for Genealogy Research

1. Lawrence Public Library, 33 Lawrence Ave, Fairfield, Phone 453-6867
2. Fairfield Historical Society, 42 High St, Fairfield, Phone 453-2998
3. Somerset County Register of Probate, High St, Skowhegan, Phone 474-3322
4. Somerset County Register of Deeds, High St, Skowhegan, Phone 474-3421
5. Maine State Archives, 84 State House Station, Augusta, Phone 287-5788
6. State of Maine Office of Vital Records, 211 State St, Augusta, Phone 287-6490
7. American-Canadian Genealogical Society, PO Box 6478, Manchester NH 03108
8. Maine State Historical Society, 485 Congress St, Portland, http://www.mainehistory.org/
9. National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Phone 879-3229
10. New England Historic Genealogy Society of Boston, (617) 536-5740
11. Military Records, Old Census Records, Ship's Passenger Lists, etc., http://www.nara.gov/
12. Mormon Church Records, http://www.familysearch.org/
13. Biddeford Franco American Genealogy Society, Phone 284-4167