It may be the most popular hobby today.  Genealogy has taken off like wildfire, and people searching for their past need birth records.  Birth records establish a timeline, make additional family connections, and provide a wonderful glimpse into the past.

1.    Find Maiden Names
Did you ever come to a moment when you realized that you had no idea what was your grandmother’s maiden name?  It is strange that this kind of detail can quickly disappear into the past.  Add another generation or two, and half the time, you might not even know your relatives first names.

Birth records typically list both the mother and father’s names making it easier to track down family connections.  When tracking back in a family line having that maiden name means that you can follow your mother’s family as well as your father’s.  With a maiden name you can hopefully acquire your mother’s birth record and from there her parents.

2.    Establish a Genealogical Timeline
When parents tell of their childhood, things often get a bit mixed up.  Using birth records as well as other documents from vital statistics, you can reestablish a more accurate chain of events.  While family memories are always the best place to start, it is always best to confirm stories with other written accounts, such as those found in newspapers and journals.

Establishing a timeline means that you can narrow your search parameters when you dig through media available in libraries around the country.  Vital statistics bureaus are a wonderful place to make multiple connections through birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and other legal papers.

3.    Conduct a Simple Search for Vital Statistics Online
You can apply to each relevant state if you so choose.  You can find the exact requirements on their websites.  Usually you will need ID, a letter explaining your reason for searching, and accurate locations and dates for each event you need.  If you lack any of this information, things get much more difficult.

Online search engines don’t need so much information.  Search for birth records with just a few details when you go online, then you can narrow down your choices with additional intangible information that means nothing to the state clerk.  Try an online search service for birth records, and then you can approach the state with more data for the specific record or certificate that you desire.

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