This file is as complete and accurate as possible, however if you
should find errors, have additions or deletions, send them to me
and I will update the file.
 
Bill Green         bgreen@milo.nodak.edu     bill90@Delphi.Com
 
Date of last update: 4 November 1993
 
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  GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
                       4 March 1989
                      Robert McLaren
                    7810 Kincardine Ct.
                 Alexandria, VA 22310-4025
 
The following file contains a listing of genealogical and historical
societies in New Hampshire.  Included in the listing, where known, are
telephone numbers and yearly dues.  This listing is donated to the public
domain and may be freely copied.  Under no conditions can this listing be
sold or used in any other commercial fashion.  If you think this list has any
value, then donate that value in helping your local genealogical society (or
the National Genealogical Society).
 
If you write to any of the societies on this list for information, remember
to include a self addressed stamped envelop (SASE).  Many of these societies
work with a limited budget, supplemented by volunteers, and can not afford to
respond unless a SASE is included in your letter.
 
     New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
     P.O. Box 633
     Exeter, NH 03833
       Dues:
 
     New Hampshire Historical Society
     30 Park Street
     Concord, NH 03301
       Dues:
 
Carrol County
 
     Carrol County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
     c/o Betty Godfrey
     P.O. Box 250
     Freedom, NH 03836
       Dues:
 
Grafton County
 
     North County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
     c/o Elva Reeg
     P.O. Box 618
     Littleton, NH 03561
       Dues:
 
Merrimack County
 
     Merrimack County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
     c/o Priscilla Bohana
     Rt. 1
     Coontoocook, NH 03229
       Dues:
 
Rockingham County
 
     Rockingham County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
     P.O. Box 81
     Exeter, NH 03833-0081
       Dues:
 
Strafford County
 
     Strafford County Chapter, New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
     P.O. Box 322
     Dover, NH 03820
       Dues:
 
Whillsboro County
 
     Acadian Genealogical and Historical Association
     P.O. Box 668
     Manchester, NH 03105
       Dues:
 
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                       VITAL RECORDS
 
TOWN RECORDS
 
In New England, the town clerk is the principal record keeper on the local
level. The earliest records are called proprietor's records. Town records
generally begin with the founding of a town and are kept to the present.
 
Town records may contain records of births, marriages, burials, cemeteries,
appointments, earmarks, estrays (records of stray animals), freemens' oaths
(men becoming eligible to vote), land records, mortgages, name changes, care
of the poor, school records, surveys, tax lists, town meeting minutes, voter
registrations, and "warning outs" (of town).
 
The original records are in the respective town clerk's office, at the New
Hampshire Historical Society, or at the New Hampshire Division of Records
Management and Archives.
 
Town Records of Births and Deaths
 
Early vital records exist from the date of organization of each town--some as
early as 1639.  Town clerks were required by law to keep records, starting in
1686. The original records are located in the respective town clerk's office.
 
State Records of Births and Deaths
 
In 1883 the state required the towns to send copies to the state of the vital
records in their possession and all subsequent registrations. The town clerks
copied their information onto cards and sent the cards to the New Hampshire
Bureau of Vital Records. This was generally complied with by 1901.
 
The cards are filed alphabetically by the first and third letters, rather
than in regular alphabetical order.
 
You can obtain copies of the state records by writing to:
 
           Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
           Health and Welfare Building
           Hazen Drive
           Concord, NH 03301
 
State your relationship to the individual and the reason you want the
information.
 
Until 1883 less than half of the population was recorded in the vital
records. Moreover, these records often gave very little information about
parents and their birthplaces. After 1901 the records are very complete and
give much more genealogical information.
 
Marriage Records
 
Town clerks began recording marriages as early as 1639.  As described above,
the information was recorded on cards and sent to the Bureau of Vital
Records. The cards are arranged by the groom's surname and filed by the first
and third letters.
 
After 1901 the records are very complete and give more information, such as
the parents' names and birthplaces. You can write to the Bureau of Vital
Records (address given above) for copies.
 
The New Hampshire Society has a Card Index to Publishments of Marriage
(Intention) Prior to 1900  (FHL film 1,001,439). They also have a card index
to New Hampshire people listed in the published vital records of
Massachusetts (7 films).
 
Divorce Records
 
Divorce proceedings are usually kept by the clerk of the Superior Court of
each county.  Divorce records prior to 1938 are at the Bureau of Vital
Records (see above). The Bureau of Vital Records has an index to divorces and
annulments prior to 1938
                                   (Source: FHC Research Guide)
 
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                       STATE ARCHIVES
 
       New Hampshire Division of Records Management and Archives
       71 South Fruit Street
       Concord, NH 03301
 
New Hampshire Historical Society
30 Park Street
Concord, NH 03301
 
New Hampshire State Library
20 Park Street
Concord, NH 03301
                                   (Source: FHC Research Guide)
 
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                NEWSPAPER GENEALOGICAL COLUMNS
 
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*   Bill Green       Minot, North Dakota  58701  *       Home of the       *
*            bgreen@milo.NoDak.Edu               *      NORSK H0STFEST     *
*              Bill90@Delphi.Com                 *        Velkommen!       *
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