5 Common Connecticut Research Mistakes – and How to Avoid them

As a Connecticut genealogist, I see a few common mistakes happen over and over. Here are the most common research mistakes – and how to avoid them.

1. Trying to search by the county. Connecticut hasn’t had political counties since 1960 and prior to that point, counties had only a limited role. (See here for the details.) The majority of CT records are stored on the town level. If possible, try to identify your ancestor’s town of origin in Connecticut – or check with a local genealogist in that county. Certain surnames are more common in certain towns.
2. Assuming Connecticut research is just “New England research.” New England research doesn’t really exist. There are some common patterns, such as a high rate of town level storage. It really helps to learn each state’s systems.
3. Calling the town hall for research help. Unless the town has a town historian – it’s a volunteer position in CT and most towns don’t fill it – calling the town hall isn’t an effective way to get research help. (They do have post-1900 vital records, but it’s best to make specific requests.) Here are a few better options:
   • See what’s online by using the FamilySearch catalog. If you’re going to research CT, it’s well worth setting up a free account.
   • Visit the website of the History and Genealogy Unit of the Connecticut State Library. They have amazing resource guides, and you can email the library staff with questions.
   • Think about joining a genealogy society in state. Connecticut Ancestry Society and the Connecticut Society of Genealogists both publish journals related to CT history and genealogy.
   • If needed, hire a professional genealogist. The Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council offers a list.
4. Calling a historical society for questions about governmental records. Historical societies are not typically the repositories of governmental records in Connecticut. (The Connecticut State Library fulfills the role held by a state historical society in some states.) They sometimes end up with them through donations, but it is not their primary role. However, most have amazing manuscript collections. They’re a great resource – just be sure to focus on things they collect.
5. Relying only on genealogical research libraries when you get stuck. New England has some wonderful genealogical research libraries. However, the majority of records are still in town halls, libraries, historical societies, and even attics. Don’t stop with the libraries!