Research Help

Below you will find guides to aid your research, links to helpful resources, and information to help you access the materials held by the Georgia Archives.

Family History Research

Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce) »

Below you will find a brief guide to accessing vital records in Georgia. For more detailed information about each type of record, see our Full Guide to Georgia Vital Records. The State Archives does not house many of these records, but we will tell you what we have and where to look for others.

Georgia Vital Records Quick Guide

Birth certificates

The Georgia Archives does not hold birth certificates.
Birth certificates before 1919 - Not available, as the state was not recording birth records prior to 1919. See our full guide below in the Research Guides section for the very few exceptions.
Birth certificates 1919-present - Available from the State Vital Records Office or local vital records offices.

Death certificates

Death certificates before 1919 - Not available, as the state was not recording death records prior to 1919. See our full guide below in the Research Guides section for the very few exceptions.
Death certificates 1919-1943 - Available for free via familysearch.org. This is a free website, but you will need to create an account in order to view the images. Collections are linked below in the Resources section.
Death certificates 1943-present - Available from the State Vital Records office or local vital records offices. Not available online.

Marriage records

Marriages before 1900 - Generally available on familysearch.org or in the Virtual Vault Marriage Records from Microfilm collection. This collection is linked in the Resources section below.
Marriages 1900-present - Generally available from the county Probate Court where the marriage was recorded.
If you do not know the county where the marriage was recorded : The Georgia Archives holds a state-wide marriage index from 1964-1971, 1973-1999 on microfiche. You can use this index to determine which county the marriage was recorded in. This index is also available on Georgia Government Publications, linked below in the Resources section. The Georgia Archives does not have a marriage index prior to 1964 or after 1999.

Divorce records

The Georgia Archives does not hold divorce records. Divorce records are available from the county Superior Court where the divorce was filed. Additionally, prior to 1833, divorces were recorded in the Georgia Laws.
If you do not know the county where the divorce was recorded : The Georgia Archives holds a state-wide divorce index from 1965-1971, 1973-1999 on microfiche. You can use this index to determine which county the divorce was recorded in. This index is also available on Georgia Government Publications, linked below in the Resources section. The Georgia Archives does not have a divorce index prior to 1965 or after 1999.

Research Guides

Full Guide to Georgia Vital Records

Documenting Marriages in Georgia - Guide to marriage laws and records in the State of Georgia

Resources

Georgia Vital Records handout

Georgia Vital Records Office - (external link) Request post-1919 vital records

Local Vital Records Offices (external link)

Georgia Death Index 1933-1999 - (external link) An index to Georgia death certificates. Does not include online access to the certificates themselves.

Georgia Deaths 1919-1927 - (external link) View Georgia death certificates online. The collection also includes a number of certificates from 1914-1918, with the bulk dating from 1917 and 1918. Familysearch.org is a free website, but you will need to create an account in order to view the images.

Georgia Deaths 1928-1943 - (external link) View Georgia death certificates online. Familysearch.org is a free website, but you will need to create an account in order to view the images.

Marriage Records from Microfilm Collection - View scanned marriage books from microfilm.

Statewide Marriage Index 1964-1998 - (external link)

Statewide Divorce Index 1964-1998 - (external link)

Getting Started on Georgia Family History Research »

The Georgia Archives holds records and resources that can help document a family’s history. For tips on getting started, we suggest reviewing the Documenting Family History in Georgia guide.

Please note:

• Our records are particularly helpful for families who lived in Georgia, though we have some resources for other states.
• The Georgia Archives is not authorized or staffed to provide genealogical research or to verify family relationships; our primary function is to provide access to the records for your research. We encourage you to visit the Georgia Archives so that we may assist you.

Research Guides

Full Guide to Georgia Vital Records - Information about birth, marriage, and death records. The State Archives does not house many of these records, but we will tell you what we have and where to look for others

Documenting Family History in Georgia - Tips on methodology and types of Georgia records which document family history

List of Family Surname Files - A list of surnames included in the Georgia Archives vertical files. You can view the files on-site

Documenting Marriages in Georgia - Guide to marriage laws and records in the State of Georgia

African American Resources - A guide to historical and genealogical records at the Georgia Archives

Georgia Militia Districts - Article regarding the history of jurisdictional districts used in the census, for tax districts, for voting precincts, and for militia organization

Georgia Tax Records FAQs - Historical and genealogical information found in Georgia tax records

Headright and Bounty Records - A guide to Georgia headright and bounty grant records

Land Lottery Records - A guide to Georgia land lotteries

Census Records - Includes information about both Federal Census for Georgia and Georgia State Census

Georgia Counties Creation and Disaster Map - Map listing the date of creation and record loss events in Georgia counties

Resources

Georgia Archives Virtual Vault: Research Resources Collection

Online Exhibit: Reading and Interpreting Handwriting

Georgia Historic Newspapers (external link) - Search historic regional newspapers for legal notices, obituaries, election results, legislative news, and more.

Georgia County Records »

County records, like property deeds, estate, marriage, and tax records, as well as Superior Court and Probate/Ordinary court minutes, can be valuable sources of information when documenting a family or individual. Many of Georgia’s county records recorded before 1900 are available online for free on FamilySearch.org or Georgia Archives County Records on Microfilm Collection. For records recorded after the dates available online, please contact the county Probate or Superior Court.

County Records Descriptions

WPA Handbook, 1940 - This handbook for field workers from the Georgia Historical Records Survey is a valuable tool for identifying historic county records that may aid your family history research. Beginning on page 37 are descriptions of Superior Court records. Beginning on page 44, are descriptions of records of the Inferior/Ordinary Court, and later Probate Court.

Accessing pre-1900 County Records online

FamilySearch.org
Go to familysearch.org. You will need to create a free registration in order to view the images. From the main page, click Search, go to the Catalog, limit Availability to Online, and search by location (example: Georgia, Chatham County). Choose the subject heading (example: Land and Property), and then the appropriate group of records. These are not searchable by name, it is the same access as you would have to the microfilm. You will need to click on the camera to view the images. You can toggle from an individual image to a grid view. Some records include indexes at the front of the book.

Georgia Archives Virtual Vault County Records on Microfilm
County Records on Microfilm are Georgia county records scanned from microfilm produced by the Georgia Archives and not available through other online collections. Use the drop down on the landing page to select the county you are researching. You can then browse the available records for that county.

Access Listings of Microfilmed County Records

County Records on Microfilm Index - The County Records Microfilm Index is the card catalog, compiled by Georgia Archives staff, of the Archives holdings of county records on microfilm. The county records listed in this index are available for review on-site at the Georgia Archives.

Presentations and Webinars »

Presentation Videos

Georgia Archives Genealogy Research Presentations - Watch family history research presentations and webinars hosted by the Georgia Archives

Presentation Handouts and Slides

View presenation handouts and slides on the Programs page by clicking here.

Georgia Land Research

Research Guides »

Quick Guide to Land Records in Georgia

Headright and Bounty Records - A guide to Georgia headright and bounty grant records

Land Lottery Records - A guide to Georgia land lotteries

Georgia Militia Districts - Article regarding the history of jurisdictional districts used in the census, for tax districts, for voting precincts, and for militia organization

Georgia Tax Records FAQs - Historical and genealogical information found in Georgia tax records. Tax records include taxes paid on land.

Georgia Historic Preservation Division: Documenting a Property in Atlanta (external link) - This guide is specific to metro-Atlanta, but many of the research strategies apply more broadly.

Resources »

State of Georgia Original and 1895 Counties and Land Lot Districts - This map shows Georgia’s original counties overlaid with counties created later (as of 1895). This map also shows the method of land distribution used in locations across the state.

Georgia County Map Collection - Maps of Georgia’s 161 (now 159) counties collected by the Office of Surveyor General.

Georgia Historic Map Collection - Maps of the State of Georgia, Georgia towns, and of the southeastern United States, dating from the 1740s.

District Plats of Survey - Before Georgia’s land lotteries of 1805-1833, land surveyors measured the districts containing individual lots to be distributed in the land lotteries and created these district plat maps.

Georgia Department of Transportation Highway Maps (external link) - Access modern and historical state highway maps.

Georgia Historical Research

Research Guide »

Finding Primary Sources for your Georgia History Topic

Researchers who are interested in finding primary sources for their topic are strongly encouraged to begin by reviewing secondary sources, such as academic journal articles or books related to their topic, and check the sources cited in these works. These citations can lead you to valuable primary sources and suggest likely records series or collections to review for your research.

Where to Find Secondary Sources

Georgia Archives Book Catalog - Search available books, pamphlets, and periodicals available on-site at the Georgia Archives. Academic journals, like the Georgia Historical Quarterly, can be valuable sources of information on a variety of historical topics.

GALILEO - Access articles and other secondary sources online. GALILEO can be accessed via your public or academic library. You can also access GALILEO on-site at the Georgia Archives.

New Georgia Encyclopedia - Read brief articles on a wide range of historical topics and check the sources cited at the end of the article.

Next Steps

Jump to Using the Georgia Archives for your Research for more information about the Georgia Archives holdings and how to view original records.

Resources »

Georgia Archives Online Exhibits - View curated digitally accessible exhibits showcasing collections at the Georgia Archives. Exhibits illustrate subjects in Georgia history with primary sources found in the Georgia Archives’ holdings.

Georgia Government Publications (external link) – A comprehensive digital repository of state government publications from 1994 to present. This site is actively adding pre‐1994 publications.

Georgia Official and Statistical Register (external link) - Published biennially from 1923-1990 by the Georgia Archives, covers basic reference data on the state’s executive, legislative and judicial branches, on counties, and biographical data on elected and appointed state officials.

Trustees of the Colony of Georgia (1732-1752) - Names and Dates

Governors of Georgia (external link) - Names, terms of office, and political parties of Georgia’s Governors

Secretaries of State - Roster of Georgia’s Secretaries of State

Presentations and Webinars »

Georgia Archives Educational and Historical Research Presentations - Watch educational and historical research presentations and webinars hosted by the Georgia Archives

Georgia Legal and Legislative Research

Research Guides »

Legislative Intent Research Guide - Learn about researching legislative intent or history of legislation

Resources »

Georgia General Assembly and Georgia Laws

Georgia Code (external link) – View the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). The current laws of Georgia.

Georgia Historic Codes (external link) – View historic compilations of Georgia laws.

Georgia General Assembly Legislation Search (external link) - Search and view Georgia bills and resolutions, 2001-present.

Georgia Senate Video (external link) - This page provides links to Georgia Senate chamber and committee meeting videos

Georgia House of Representatives Video (external link) - Georgia House chamber and committee meeting videos

Georgia Supreme Court

Georgia Reports, 1808-2018 (external link) - Published decisions for Georgia Supreme Court cases. Reports are listed by volume number.

Georgia Supreme Court Cases, 1846-1917 - Index to cases appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court from 1846 to 1917, case files are housed at the Georgia Archives

Georgia Government Officials

Georgia Official and Statistical Register (external link) - Published biennially from 1923-1990 by the Georgia Archives, covers basic reference data on the state’s executive, legislative and judicial branches, on counties, and biographical data on elected and appointed state officials.

Trustees of the Colony of Georgia (1732-1752) - Names and Dates

Governors of Georgia (external link) - Names, terms of office, and political parties of Georgia’s Governors

Secretaries of State - Roster of Georgia’s Secretaries of State

Access Records from the Georgia Archives for your Research

Records held by the Georgia Archives »

The Georgia Archives holds a large collection of original paper records available for researchers to review. There are two broad categories of original records within the holdings:

State Agency Records - Records created by Georgia state government and transferred to the Georgia Archives for permanent retention.

Examples:

• Governor - Executive Dept. - Governor’s Subject Files (Aka Incoming Correspondence), RG 001-01-005
  
• Supreme Court - Clerk of Court - Criminal Appeals Case Files, RG 092-01-001
  

To browse listings of government agency records available in our holdings go to the Finding Aids, click “Record Groups,” and select the agency that you are interested in. You can then browse available records created by the agency. Alternatively, you can keyword search box and folder titles.

For more information about state agencies, including historic names and duties, we recommend the publication Handbook of Georgia State Agencies by Edwin L. Jackson and Mary E. Stakes, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This publication is available onsite in our Search Room library.

Please note, while the Georgia Archives original record holdings include some early county records, which are listed in the Finding Aids, generally county records are not transferred to the Georgia Archives and are held at the local level. Federal records are held by the National Archives. Municipal records are not transferred to the Georgia Archives.

Manuscript Collections - Non-government collections donated from private individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.

Examples:

• Archibald Smith Family Papers
  
• Records of the Appalachian Trail Club
  

Broad collection topics include:

• 19th and early 20th century business records (store, tavern, naval stores records)
• 20th century organization and club records
• Civil War and World War I correspondence, records, and diaries
• Materials related to state government, created by private individuals or organizations

To view listings for the manuscript collections available in our holdings go to the Finding Aids and click “Repositories” then click “Georgia Archives Manuscript Collections.” You can then either keyword search or click on the red collection icon to view all manuscript collections.

View listings of Original Paper Records at the Georgia Archives »

To search the original records in our custody, use the online Finding Aids.

• The Finding Aids provide listings for the original paper records held by the Georgia Archives.
• The records themselves are not viewable in the online Finding Aids. You will need to visit the Archives to view the records.
• You can browse by the agency that created the record or you can keyword search box and folder titles.
• You can either request records to be pulled in advance of your visit or request the records when you arrive at the Archives. Requesting in advance will save you time.
• You will view original records in the Original Documents Reading Area (ODRA). An archivist will monitor use of the documents and provide assistance.

Resources

Finding Aids - State government records Click “Record Groups” to browse by agency
Finding Aids - Manuscript (non-government) collections

Access Original Paper Records at the Georgia Archives »

You can view original records on-site at the Georgia Archives during our regular research hours. You can find information about visiting on our Visit Us page. Appointments are not required, however for your convenience, you may wish to request records that you have identified in our Finding Aids, in advance of your visit.

To request records ahead of time, go to the Ask an Archivist webform and list the specific records you would like to review along with the date you plan to visit. Archives staff will respond to you via email, confirming your request and will have the records ready at the time of your arrival. Alternatively, you are welcome to request records on-site in the Search Room at the time of your visit.

• Staff will pull up to 5 boxes in advance. Additional boxes can then be requested.
• In order for Archives staff to pull your records, you must identify the specific record(s) that you would like to review.
• If you request an item that is available on microfilm or that has been scanned, staff will direct you to the film or scan. We will not pull original records that have been scanned or filmed, in order to protect the original.
• Original documents are retrieved from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and may be viewed in the Original Document Reading Room until 4:00 p.m.

For information about citing materials in our holdings, please see our Citations page

Copy Requests »

There are two ways to obtain copies of documents housed at the Georgia Archives. You will need to either visit our facility and/or hire a researcher to make copies of record(s) for you. The Georgia Archives does not offer distance copy service or distance research services.

Hiring a Researcher
You may wish to hire a professional researcher to search and/or make copies of records on your behalf. The Georgia Archives does not make recommendations; however, for your convenience, please note there is a list of professional researchers who are also members of the Georgia Genealogical Society. You may also wish to contact the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists for a referral. We suggest that you contact two or three researchers, describe what you need, and request a quote. These researchers have a specific interest in genealogy, but many have strong research skills in other areas as well.