Generally, you must know the specific town where your Norwegian ancestor was born before beginning research in Norway. You will need some basic understanding of genealogical research procedures. You may want to view the library's videocassette presentation and study the accompanying booklet, A Guide to Research, available at the Family History Library and at Family History Centers.

Using This Outline

The “Norwegian Search Strategies” section of this outline explains how to research your family history effectively. This section is particularly valuable if you are just beginning your research.

The Records Selection Table will help you select records to search. Records at the Family History Library describes the library's Norwegian collection. The Family History Library Catalog section explains how to use the catalog to find specific records in the library's collection.

The outline discusses the major records, arranged in alphabetical order, used for Norwegian research, such as census and church records. The names of these sections are the same as the subject headings used in the Family History Library Catalog.

Related records and concepts are grouped together under the same heading. For example, in the “Emigration and Immigration” section you will find information about—

• The history of emigration from Norway
• Passenger lists
• Records of Norwegian emigrants in the United States