Michigan Genealogy Search at a Glance
Michigan genealogy search, look up ancestors, browse MI archived records, history, census information and more online
1Michigan Genealogy
Michigan statewide genealogy links
- Archives of Michiganwww.michigan.govMichigan Historical State Archives
- Department of Community Health Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Recordswww.michigan.govMichigan Vital Records
- Michigan State Archives and Libraries Searchwww.michigan.govMichigan Archives and Libraries Search
- Library and Archives of Michigan Collectionswww.michigan.govSeeking Michigan Archival Records Collections
- Archives of Michigan Online Finding Aidsquod.lib.umich.eduFind Michigan Archives From Individuals and Government
- Michigan Department of Education Genealogy Researchwww.michigan.govGenealogy Research at the State Library
- Michigan Cemetery Sourceswww.michigan.govFind Cemeteries in Michigan
- Detroit Public Librarydetroitpubliclibrary.orgDetroit Library Genealogical Resources
- USGenWeb Archives Michiganwww.genrecords.netSearch Michigan GenWeb Archives
- National Archives Great Lakes Region for Michiganwww.archives.govMichigan Genealogy Research at the National Archives
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Michigan's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Michigan state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The federal government's primary archive. Holds the U.S. census (1790, 1950), ship passenger lists, naturalization records, military service files, and land entry files.
https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy (archives.gov)
Free online genealogy platform operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Digitized microfilm copies of many county and state records worldwide.
https://www.familysearch.org/ (familysearch.org)
The LoC's research guides, city directories, newspapers, and Civil War records, most accessible free online through loc.gov.
https://guides.loc.gov/genealogy (loc.gov)
Michigan Genealogy Search, FAQ
Is the 1950 census released?
Yes. Under the 72-year rule, the 1950 U.S. Census was released by NARA on April 1, 2022 and is free to search on archives.gov and familysearch.org.
How do I request a military service record?
NARA's National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis holds military service records. Requests use SF-180 and are free for the veteran or next of kin.
Do I need a paid subscription to do genealogy?
No. FamilySearch, Archives.gov, the Library of Congress, and most state archives provide substantial free access. Commercial services (Ancestry, MyHeritage) add convenience and private trees but not exclusive records.
Where are vital records for the 1800s kept?
Before state-level vital registration (roughly 1890, 1920 depending on state), most births, deaths, and marriages were recorded only by the county, the church, or the family Bible. State archives and FamilySearch are the primary starting points for that era.