Sometimes we get stuck in research simply because we don’t know where to look next. While this list is far from exhaustive – and will apply better to the colonial period – here are sources you can check to learn more about your Connecticut ancestors.
- The U.S. Census: While Connecticut did have a colonial census, the listed names have largely not survived. A deep dive into the U.S. Census may still provide the information you need.
- Vital records: Connecticut has had birth, death, and marriage records since the 1640s. Not every ancestor will have a record, but it’s always worth checking. Pre-1900 records are largely available on FamilySearch.
- Church records: The Congregational Church was the establishment or state church until 1818. Not all records have been indexed, but those that have are can be found in the “Connecticut, U.S., Church Record Abstracts, 1630-1920” collection on Ancestry. Index cards created in the process of making the same publication are available on FamilySearch.
- Land records: Land ownership became less common in the late 19th and 20th centuries, but it can be an effective way to follow the movements of earlier ancestors. Land records are stored in the office of the town clerk in which the property was located at the time the transaction occurred. Many clerks have digitized their most recent records and made them accessible through their website; many older records are available on FamilySearch.
- Probate files: If your ancestor died with assets, they may have a probate file naming their heirs or providing family information. Many Connecticut probate records have been digitized and made available by both FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Keep in mind, these are a starting point. There are many more sources which may document your ancestors!
Connecticut Roots by Charter Oak Genealogy 