Welcome!
Our Mission
The Maine Genealogical Society (MGS) is a non-profit charitable and educational organization. It was founded in 1976 to collect, exchange, preserve, and publish genealogical records, related documents, and information; and to promote and encourage interest and scholarship in genealogy and family history of the State of Maine.
Our Publications
Maine Genealogical Society is very proud of our highly-acclaimed publications. These include a combination of scholarly articles in our quarterly journal, to sketches of individuals living in Maine at the time of the first Federal census, to transcriptions of early town records.
Our Conferences
Maine Genealogical Society has steadily gained a reputation for the quality of its annual Fall Conference, striving to bring national speakers to the state for our members to hear.
In addition, we have developed a Spring Workshop format dedicated to exploring one topic in more depth than a conference permits.
Accessing Vital Records in Maine
On September 28, 2011, a new law regulating access to vital records takes effect in Maine. Original vital records in Maine may be accessed through three venues:
- Vital Records Unit of the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics
- Maine State Archives
- Municipal offices
Under the new law vital records fall into three categories, each with its own regulations and rules for access.
MGS Vice-President Helen A Shaw, CGSM, has prepared an outline of the information you'll need to know. Click here to download [Adobe Reader required].
Membership
Membership in MGS offers numerous benefits for genealogists researching in Maine, New England and eastern Canada.
Your membership includes our quarterly journal The Maine Genealogist, our quarterly newsletter, option to post queries on our online query board, discounts on our special publications, conferences and workshops.
Discover all the benefits of a Maine Genealogical Society membership.
Statewide Chapters
We are pleased to be associated with nine chapters located around the state.
These chapters meet frequently and provide a more localized focus on area resources.
For a more complete genealogical experience, explore our chapters and join one near you.
Last updated: 02 May 2012
Awards of Excellence
Maine Genealogical Society is proud to present two awards recognizing achievement in genealogy.
In 2007, the Executive Committee approved the presentation of awards in two specific areas where individuals make contributions to the genealogical community - in the area of research and publication and in the area of service and volunteerism. Awards are presented annually at our Annual Conference.
