Virginia
Virginia genealogy
Virginia is a cornerstone of early American genealogy. Research can extend from colonial Virginia and Tidewater plantations through Revolutionary War families, westward migration, Civil War and Reconstruction, African American genealogy and the formation of new states and counties.
Virginia vital records
Virginia recorded births 1853–1896 and 1912–present, with a major statewide gap from 1896–1912.
Library of Virginia →Death records follow the same major 1853–1896 and 1912–present statewide pattern.
Research guide →Statewide marriage records begin in 1853; earlier marriage bonds and courthouse records are important.
Marriage research →Virginia’s current public-access periods differ by record type.
Virginia VDH →Virginia county-by-county
Virginia historical research
Plantation, parish, land, probate, court and county records.
Library of Virginia →County formation and boundary changes are essential when working with colonial families.
Military pensions, service records, Confederate records and post-war research.
Virginia genealogy centers
State archives, colonial, Civil War and African American genealogy.
Port, military, maritime and African American history.
Colonial, commercial, maritime and urban genealogy.
Railroad, Appalachian and migration research.
Colonial Virginia and early American research.
Military, maritime and African American genealogy.
Ethnic & community research
Slavery, emancipation, Freedmen’s Bureau, Reconstruction and migration.
Powhatan and other Virginia Indigenous histories and records.
Migration through the Shenandoah and Appalachian regions.
Urban communities, immigration and synagogue history.
Virginia genealogy databases
Major source for Virginia county, state, military and genealogical records.
Search →Library of Virginia access to selected Ancestry collections.
Open →Historical records organized by location.
Search →Extensive Virginia census, vital, military and county collections.
Search →Continue your Virginia research
For early families, start with county formation, land, probate, court, church and tax records rather than relying solely on vital certificates.
DNA Academy - Quick Answers
What formats are your free templates available in?
Our templates are available as downloadable Excel/Google Sheets files (for digital tracking).
How do I use a research log effectively?
A research log helps you track which records you’ve searched, what you found, and what’s still missing. We recommend filling it out as you go, it prevents duplicate searches and helps you identify patterns. Our template includes columns for date, source, location, and findings.
Are the templates available in languages other than English?
Currently, our templates are in English only. We are exploring translations into Swedish, Spanish, and German based on user requests. If you need a specific language, contact us and we’ll prioritize it.