Finding Alabama Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death) on FamilySearch

Finding Alabama Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death) on FamilySearch

This guide will help you navigate FamilySearch.org to locate birth, marriage, and death records for your ancestors in Alabama.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Access FamilySearch Records

  • Go to FamilySearch.org and ensure you are signed in to your free account.
  • From the top menu, click on "Search".
  • In the dropdown menu, select "Records".

• Step 2: Browse All Collections

  • On the "Find a Record" page, you'll see search fields for names and places. For a more direct approach to specific state collections, scroll down the page past the map.
  • Locate and click on the link that says "Browse all published collections". This link is typically found on the right side, beneath the map.

• Step 3: Filter by Location (United States)

  • On the "Browse Historical Collections" page, you will see a list of continents and countries.
  • Either click on "United States" on the interactive map, or scroll down and select "United States" from the list on the left side of the page.

• Step 4: Filter by State (Alabama)

  • After selecting "United States," a new list of states will appear.
  • Scroll down this list and click on "Alabama" to view collections specific to the state.

• Step 5: Identify Vital Record Collections

  • You will now see a list of all historical collections available for Alabama on FamilySearch.
  • Carefully review the collection titles for keywords like "Birth," "Marriage," or "Death".
  • Common examples of vital record collections you might find include:
    • "Alabama, Births and Christenings, 1881-1974" (date ranges may vary)
    • "Alabama, County Marriage Records, 1805-1967" (date ranges may vary)
    • "Alabama, Death Records, 1908-1959" (date ranges may vary)
    • "Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1912"
  • Keep in mind that some vital records may also be found within broader county or probate collections, so scan all relevant titles.

• Step 6: Search Within a Specific Collection

  • Once you have identified a promising collection (e.g., "Alabama, Death Records, 1908-1959"), click on its title.
  • This action will open the search page specifically for that collection.
  • Enter the known details for your ancestor, such as their Name, Event Year, Residence, or Spouse's Name (for marriage records), into the provided search fields.
  • Click the "Search" button to view your results.

• Step 7: Review Results and Browse Images (If Available)

  • Examine the search results for potential matches. Click on a record to view its indexed details, and often, an image of the original document.
  • If the collection has records that are not yet indexed, or if your ancestor doesn't appear in the search results, look for a "Browse through [number] images" link on the collection's search page. This allows you to view the digitized records page by page, much like looking at microfilms.

Remember that not all vital records are available online, and coverage varies by county and year in Alabama. You may need to explore different collections or consult the FamilySearch Wiki for Alabama Vital Records for further guidance on record availability and locations.