LOCAL HISTORY & GENEALOGY
SPOTLIGHT: Michigan Death Records
With FamilySearch Labs' Michigan Death Registers 1867-1897 and Seeking Michigan's Death Records 1897-1920, genealogists and historians have access to the most complete collection of indexed, digitized death records ever available online, for free.
Between 1867 and 1897, records of death were kept by each county and sent to the State once a year. Digitized images of these books are available on FamilySearch Labs. It is believed that half of the deaths from 1867-1897 were simply not recorded! In 1897, the State began requiring Death Certificates to be filled out for each individual. These are the images available at Seeking Michigan. This change resulted in a more complete record of deaths for Michigan; but, as is the case with records of all types, some folks simply seem to be missing. Still, these two collections are the most complete compilations of indexed Michigan death information ever available for the years 1867 to 1920.
Hackley Public Library maintains a large collection of local history and genealogical materials, as well as providing access to numerous online databases.
Located in the lower level of the library, the Local History & Genealogy Department is always staffed during the library's regular, open hours. Computer workstations are available for researching genealogy, local history, and periodicals. Click here for a brief summary of our materials.
Have a question? Ask the Local History & Genealogy Department. Please note: Due to limited staff, we are unable to conduct extensive research.
Click here for information on the Muskegon County Genealogy Society's free family history workshops.
POPULAR ONLINE RESOURCES
SUBSCRIPTION DATABASES - FOR USE WITHIN THE LIBRARY ONLY (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
Ancestry™ Library Edition - Patrons can access this vast collection of census information, vital records, and other genealogical resources from within Hackley Library.
HeritageQuest™ Online - Users can access this database of census records, genealogical books, and other relevant information from within the library or at home with a valid Michigan ID number.
NewEnglandAncestors.org - Official site of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, offering a wealth of resources pertaining to family history in New England. Accessible from within the library only.
AfricanAmericanAncestors.org - A web portal from the NEHGS, this site is a central connection for the various resources concerning African-American genealogy on the NewEnglandAncestors.org website.
Footnote™ - An ever-growing compilation of digitized collections, including documents and photos from the National Archives and Records Administration. Free access for users within Hackley Library.
FREE ONLINE RESOURCES - FREE TO USE FROM ANYWHERE
FamilySearch - A collection of numerous genealogical resources provided by the LDS Church.
FamilySearch Labs - Also provided by the LDS Church, this site allows access to new genealogical resources that are still in development.
Muskegon County Genealogy Resource Center - Operated by volunteers, this vast collection of material includes obituaries, cemetery records, and numerous other genealogical databases for Muskegon County. Now available: Muskegon Chronicle Vital Records Indexes, 1988-2009!
Muskegon County Genealogical Death Indexing System - An index of deaths for Muskegon County, 1867 - 1965, compiled by the Muskegon County Genealogical Society. NOTE: Hackley Library only has death records on microfilm from 1867 - 1918. See our resources page for more information.
Seeking Michigan - An ever-growing collection of digitized imagery and historical information, including Michigan Death Records 1897-1920, various Civil War records, and early photographs - all available for free.
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