Building your family tree is a labor of love.
Let Hill Library make it easier
Hill Library maintains many of the Strafford Historical Society documents and artifacts which are accessible to the public during regular library hours.
To contact the Strafford Historical Society write to: P.O. Box 33 Strafford, NH 03815 or call Liz Evans at 603.664.2192 x 105
Links to Strafford County Genealogy resources
Ancestry.com: Strafford County family history research page
Family Search: Strafford County
Strafford County History & Genealogy at Searchroots
History of Strafford County New Hampshire and Representative Citizens by Scales, John, (John Scales) 1835-1928 published in 1914. Brought to you by the University of NH and the Internet Archive!
History of Rockingham and Strafford County, New Hampshire: with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men by Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) published in 1882. Brought to you by the University of NH and the Internet Archive.
New Hampshire Genealogy Resources
New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
NH Archives, Historical, Genealogical Societies page at Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness
Family Search: New Hampshire Online Genealogy Records wiki You need to scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the links.
AmericanAncestors.org by the New England Historic Genealogy Society
General Genealogical Research
Ancestry.com A good place to start with lots of fun tools. Free basic membership.
FamilySearch.org A service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Basic membership is free.
National Archives Military Service Records Military personnel records can be used for proving military service or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. NPRC holds historical Military Personnel Records of nearly 100 million veterans, the overwhelming majority of these records are on paper, not online. This page tells you how you can request Military Personnel Records on line.
Also see 101 Free Ways to Research your Family Tree for free online sources for genealogy research.
Additional resources recommended by Girl Scout, Lily Bass:
Researching Your Family’s History from Ships Passenger Lists
Genealogy for Kids: Building a Family Tree
**We no longer have a subscription to Ancestry Library Edition. However, patrons can access this free service by going to Rochester Public Library, Chesley Memorial Library in Northwood, or Barrington Public Library. If you have questions, please see our Director, Larisa Molloy.**
Traditional Research
Birth, marriage, and death records are the most common sources to information about a prospective family member. Military and court records, such as wills or probate, may also be used. Typical sources of information are Town halls, archives, cemeteries, and libraries (like ours!).
If the family is based in New England, the New England Historic Genealogy Society is also a great source of research tools and records unique to New England.Ultimately, traditional research is a great way to supplement information found online or through genetic research. All it requires is some patience and gas money.
Online Research
There are endless internet resources. Many of the most reputable sources are listed above. Please keep in mind: just because the information is online, it doesn’t make it true. Family trees posted by other researchers may not be validated by traditional research. Often, one person posts their understanding of their family tree and it gets replicated by others, without validation.
Genetic Research
DNA testing has emerged as a method to connect individuals who may not realize they are related, due to name changes, divorce, death, or adoption. Family projects, grouped by family name, provide an area for individuals to find connections to other family members with matching DNA segments. Many project members add their traditional genealogy to help fill in the family tree for all members.
The most common sites for requesting a DNA test are 23andme.com and FamilyTreeDNA.com. Both have genealogy services and use the DNA results to find family members who have also had their DNA tested.
For more information about genetic genealogy and how DNA can be used to expand your family tree, visit the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).
