FootNote
The new kid on the block, FootNote is known for digitizing historical
documents... many of which are genealogical gems. With naturalizations,
city directories, war records, newspapers, town records, etc... this new
kid is quickly being recognized as an alternative to Ancestry.
While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
Vital records,
as their name suggests, are connected with central life
events: birth, marriage, and death. Maintained by civil
authorities, they are prime sources of genealogical
information; but, unfortunately, official vital records are
available only for relatively recent periods. These records,
despite their recent creation in the United States, are
critically important in genealogical research, often
supplying details on family members well back into the
nineteenth century.
The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy,
by Loretto Szucs and Sandra Luebking.
In terms of obtaining vital records, West Virginia is not an "open
record" state. Access to certified copies of birth certificates is
restricted to the following individuals:
The registrant (person named on the certificate) as long as they are
18 years or older or are emancipated by court order or marriage
Mother or father as listed on the certificate or current step-parent
of registrant
Legal guardian (submit copy of guardianship papers)
Registrant's spouse
Children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc of the registrant
(including half and step relationships)
Brother or sister of the registrant (including half and step
relationships)
Mother-in-law / Father-in-law of registrant
Son-in-law / Daughter-in-law of registrant
Grandparents and Great-grandparents of the registrant
In addition, a legal representative of one of the above or an
authorized government agency may obtain a certified copy.
Those who do not meet one of the above categories, but who can demonstrate
a direct or tangible interest in the record should contact the office
directly for instructions.
If you have questions, please call (304) 558-2931 between 8:00 AM and 4:00
PM eastern time.
Certificates will only be issued to the next of kin or to
persons with a legal right to the certificate. If you have questions
concerning the right to obtain a copy of a death certificate, please
contact the Vital Registration Program at (304) 558-2931.
