Genealogy
at Curtis Memorial Library

"How-to" Books

The library has a number of basic and advanced "how-do-find-your-roots books. Please ask at the reference desk if you would like help in locating these or other items. We will be happy to try to help you!

What else does the library have?

Curtis Memorial Library has a very small collection of genealogical materials. Included are a few genealogical dictionaries, and an incomplete collection of vital records in printed form for a few Maine towns. These are shelved under call number 929 in the reference area. The library also has a handful of family genealogies--which can be found by looking under the family surname in the catalogs. Local histories, which often include useful genealogical data, can be found by looking in the catalogs under the name of the town.

Brunswick newspapers are available on microfilm covering the period 1853 to the present. The Snow Index to Brunswick Newspapers covers obituaries, marriages, and major news stories for the years 1853 to 1960.

Also available are city directories for Brunswick and surrounding towns. Ask at the reference desk to see the Survey of City Directories for Brunswick -- an inventory of city directories held here and at other area libraries.

What about vital records?

Brunswick birth, death, and marriage records from 1735 to 1975 are now available at the Town Clerk's office (725-6658) in the Municipal Building on Federal Street. There is a surname index. Older vital records are on file at the State Archives in Augusta (see information which follows).

Is census microfilm available?

United States Census microfilms are available for use at the Maine State Archives and the Maine Historical Society. The Library can also borrow census microfilms for Maine and other states for you from a commercial service that charges $3.00 per reel. (The free census microfilm loan service formerly provided by the U.S. National Archives has been terminated as a result of federal budget cuts.)

Canada Census microfilm, including some films of older Quebec parish censuses, are still available on free loan from the Public Archives of Canada. These must also be requested through the Library.

For further information on borrowing census microfilm, please check with the librarian at the reference desk.

Two good guides to Maine Genealogical Research are available for use at the library:

Genealogists Handbook for New England Research. 1980. (Shelved at 929.374 in Reference area.) A good guide to records and sources.
Maine Genealogy: A Bibliographical Guide. 1977. (Shelved at 016.929 in the Reference area; also available for purchase by mail order from the Maine Historical Society, 485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101.) A good guide to books.

Other Local Resources (within 45 minutes of Brunswick). Listed below are other institutions in the Brunswick area with genealogical resources that are available for public use. Because the genealogical material at some of these institutions is held in special rooms which have limited hours or are open by appointment only, you should telephone ahead for information before making a visit.

AUGUSTA. MAINE STATE LIBRARY has a large collection of Maine and Franco-American genealogical material. State budget cut-backs have made mail inquiries for genealogical information almost impossible. More information regarding hours and service may be obtained by calling (207) 287-5600 and ask for Reference.
AUGUSTA. MAINE STATE ARCHIVES has microform reproductions of old birth, death and marriage records whose originals are held in each Maine town. The State Archives also hold some old military and land records, other municipal records, and microfilms of U.S. Census returns for Maine. Telephone (207) 287-5795.
The MAINE STATE LIBRARY and MAINE STATE ARCHIVES are located in the Library-Museum-Archives complex, which is adjacent to the State House in Augusta. The State House area can be easily reached from Brunswick via U.S. Route 201 or I-95.

BATH. PATTEN FREE LIBRARY is in the park on Summer Street in Bath, one block up from the business district on Front Street. Its History Room includes an extensive Maine local history collection, genealogical reference books, vital records for many Maine towns, and other useful material. Telephone (207)443-5141.

BIDDEFORD. MCARTHUR LIBRARY houses the collections of the Franco-American Genealogical Society of York County, including records from many border towns in Quebec and New Brunswick. Also available in microfiche are the Moncton File and Loiselle File of genealogical data. In addition, the Library itself has a large collection of city directories and other Franco-American material. Located at 270 Main Street. Telephone (207)284-4181.

BRUNSWICK. BOWDOIN COLLEGE LIBRARY holds a limited selection of New England vital records in published form, as well a a small collection of town histories, and a few family genealogies. To use material in the Bowdoin College Library, it is not necessary to have a card -- however, you must have a Bowdoin College Library card if you wish to take books out of the building. Reference help for the public is available only between the hours of 8:30 am and 4pm on weekdays.

BRUNSWICK. PEJEPSCOT HISTORICAL SOCIETY maintains local history archives which contain printed and manuscript materials, photographs, and some early town records. They also provide printed guides to assist in the search for genealogical records. It is not necessary, but it is advised to call ahead for an appointment. Telephone (207)729-6606.

FARMINGDALE. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (THE MORMONS), maintains the Augusta, Maine State Branch Genealogical Library at 4 Hasson Street, Farmingdale (between Augusta and Gardiner), These are perhaps the most extensive genealogical holdings of any other source. Data concerning about 2 billion people of the last 500 years, mostly in America and western Europe. Recently, however, the breakup of the Soviet Union has opened up records of all the independent states. Extensive microfilming is in progress in those areas and the data is constantly updated. There is only one computer and use is restricted to one hour. For more information, call (207) 582-1827. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 9pm.

LEWISTON. LEWISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY has important reference books on Franco-American genealogy. 105 Park Street. Telephone (207)784-0135.

PORTLAND. PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY is the largest public library in Southern Maine, and has a large collection of Maine local history. Of particular interest are the collections in the Portland Room, which includes an index to Portland newspapers. Located at 5 Monument Square. pay parking nearby. Telephone (207)773-4761.

SACO. DYER LIBRARY/YORK INSTITUTE MUSEUM offers a large collection of City of Saco records, vital statistics, family papers, tax records and manuscripts. 371 Main Street, Telephone (207) 282-3031 or 283-3861.

Curtis Memorial Library 4/1998