R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

District of Columbia
Research Outline
   

Table of Contents
Records Of The Family History Library
Family History Library Catalog
Archives And Libraries
Bible Records
Biography
Cemeteries
Census
Church Records
Court Records
Directories
Emigration And Immigration
Gazetteers
Genealogy
History
Land And Property
Maps
Military Records
Naturalization And Citizenship
Newspapers And Obituaries
Periodicals
Probate Records
Taxation
Vital Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions

This outline describes major sources of information about families from the District of Columbia. As you read this outline, study the United States Research Outline (30972), which will help you understand terminology and the contents and uses of genealogical records. The research outlines for Maryland and Virginia will help if you have ancestors who lived in the area prior to 1800.


RECORDS OF THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY

The Family History Library has some of the records described in this outline. The library's major holdings include federal censuses, deeds, city directories, and newspapers. Some church, cemetery, and tax records are also available at the library. Several collections of records have been purchased from the National Archives.

Some of the sources described in this outline list the Family History Library's book, microfilm, and microfiche numbers. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for Family History LibraryLook this term up in the glossary.. You can use these numbers to locate materials in the library and to order microfilm and microfiche at Family History CentersLook this term up in the glossary..


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FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG

The library's records are listed in the Family History Library CatalogLook this term up in the glossary. found at the library and at each Family History Center. To find a record, look in the Locality Search of the catalog for:

  • The place where your ancestor lived, such as:
UNITED STATES - CENSUSDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - TAXATIONDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON - CEMETERIES

  • The record type you want to search, such as:
UNITED STATES - CENSUSDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - TAXATIONDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON - CEMETERIES

The section headings in this outline match the names of record types used in the library catalog.

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Version of Data: 6/8/2001]