Genealogy
The Easton Town Clerk’s Office does not charge for genealogy searches but because there is only one clerk in the office, you may be required to make an appointment. Email has become a very effective way of requesting information. You may email the Town Clerk at [email protected]. Specific questions regarding office policy for genealogy research in Easton should be directed to the Town Clerk’s Office at (207) 488-6652.
Helpful hints
- Prior to 1892, towns were not required to file records of birth, marriage, and death. Some towns have records from before 1892, but these are not a complete recording of events.
- Unsure where the event took place? Begin by contacting the State of Maine Office of Vital Records. They maintain copies of records from every town and city in Maine. You can reach that office at (207) 287-3184.
- Be sure to check family Bibles, city directories, obituaries, old maps, old photographs, town history books, and old newspapers for information.
- State Archives keeps a list of professional genealogists who will provide research for a fee.
Helpful Websites
- http://www.nara.gov/ – National Archives site – census records from 1790-1920, military records from the Revolutionary War to WW1, military pension records, passport applications back to 1795, ship passenger lists, naturalization, and more.
- http://www.usgenweb.org/ – Links to State and County information.
- http://www.ancestry.com/ – Includes Social Security Death Index – find death records by date of death or social security number, databases, and more.
- http://www.familysearch.org/ – Family History Library, Church of the Latter Day Saint/Mormon, Salt Lake City
- http://www.cyndislist.com/ – Links to 42,000 genealogy sites – everything from ship’s passenger lists to prison rolls.
- http://www.rootsweb.com/ – Internet’s oldest genealogy site – lets you see who is looking for the same surnames you are.
- http://www.adoption.com/ – Good place to start genealogy research if you were adopted.
- http://www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/ – Local History and Genealogy Reading Room, Library of Congress
- http://www.genealogynews.com/ – Online Newsletter
- http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/ – National Genealogical Society
Genealogy Research
Town of Easton Municipal Records
Birth, marriage, and death records are available for Easton residents if the event took place in Easton (example – a child born at home, or death occurring in Easton). Records before 1892 are not a complete listing. If you need a certified copy of a record, you will need to fill out an application and show proper photo identification, as well as proof of lineage.
By law, Maine birth records less than 75 years old, marriage records less than 50 years old, death records less than 25 years old and fetal deaths less than 50 years old are considered to be private. In order to inspect these documents, or to obtain copies, an individual must prove that they are permitted by law to do so. The fee for the first copy of a certified record is $15. Any additional certified copies of the same record are $6 each. Make checks payable to the Town of Easton.
The Town Office hours are:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesdays – 8 AM to 6 PM
Fridays – 8 AM to 3 PM
List of Agencies & Organizations for Genealogy Research
- Maine State Archives, 84 State House Station, Augusta, Phone: (207) 287-5788
- State of Maine Office of Vital Records, 211 State St, Augusta, Phone: (207) 287-6490
- American-Canadian Genealogical Society, PO Box 6478, Manchester NH 03108
- Maine State Historical Society, 485 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101
- National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Phone (202) 628-1776
- New England Historic Genealogy Society of Boston, (617) 536-5740
- NARA – Military Records, Old Census Records, Ship’s Passenger Lists, etc.
- Mormon Church Records