Washington, DC Research Guide Digital Download

You'll love this if:

• You're getting started tracing your ancestors in Washington, D.C.
• You want new ideas and resources to get past a Washington, D.C. brick wall
• Your genealogy search is focused mainly on Washington, D.C.

Trace your Washington, D.C.ancestors with the advice and resources in our State Research Guide! This four-page download includes:

• a how-to article detailing Washington, D.C.'s history and records, with helpful advice on tracking your family there
• the best websites, books and other resources for Washington, D.C.research, handpicked by our editors and experts
• listings of key libraries, archives and organizations that hold the records you need
• timeline of key events in the state's history

Here's a sampling of the helpful tips you'll get in the Washington, D.C. guide:

• DC is made up of land that was once part of Maryland. Virginia also originally contributed land to the District, but received it back in 1846.
• Congress oversees DC directly. The whole District has been adminstered as one unit since the governments of Georgetown and Washington merged in 1871.
• The District first required vital registration in 1874, though compliance was uneven until about 1915. The Vital Records Divisions holds birth and death certificates.

Plus, each guide contains active web links for one-click access to every recommended online resource. You can view this PDF on your computer and print pages for reference.