Additional years added to Death Index

1997 to 2001 Added to Death

Five more years of records, 1997 through 2001, have been added to the Online Index to Death Certificates. There are now 3,055,090 records on the index. Death certificates after 2001 are available from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Native American Death Certificates

A family history research tip

In addition to the regular death certificates, the Minnesota Historical Society holds microfilm copies of Native American death certificates for 1900 and 1918-1947. These unofficial death certificates are for Native Americans who either:

• died in Minnesota and were enrolled or otherwise connected with any Indian tribal groups or bands, or
• died outside of Minnesota but were enrolled or otherwise connected with tribal groups or bands located in Minnesota.

These death certificates appear to have originated in Indian agencies and local jurisdictions in Minnesota, other states, and Canada. The circumstances of their arrival at the Health Department's Division of Vital Statistics are not known. For those who died in Minnesota, these certificates may give additional or differing information from the official certificates. The records are arranged by state and within each state by Indian agency.

Our family history experts can help you research Native American family history. For more information email reference@mnhs.org.

Upcoming Classes

Learn How to Do An Oral History

In this workshop James E. Fogerty, head of Documentary Programs for the Minnesota Historical Society, will describe oral history--what it is and how to use it to record family and community history--with comments on the legal realities, ethics, and equipment necessary to do the job.

$6 for MHS members; $8 for non-members
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Minnesota History Center
Register online.

Share Your Story Online

You can share personal stories about members of Minnesota's Greatest Generation on the Share Your Story web site. These important stories of people who lived through the Depression, WWII and the Boom, will be held in an online database in perpetuity to provide a lasting legacy so future generations can draw perspective from the past.

Using Minnesota Court Records

Learn how to research your family history from the experts!

Are you confused about the differences between district courts, municipal courts, supreme courts, and probate courts? Do the terms civil matters, criminal trials, and “In the matter of …” prevent you from using court records? Learn what court records are available for your research at the Minnesota Historical Society, how to access and use them, and how they might be able to solve your genealogical brick walls and enhance your family stories. Duane Swanson, family historian extraordinaire, will give an overview of the historical organization of the court system in Minnesota, show which specific courts might contain the data you are searching for, and demonstrate how to use the common types of genealogically-valuable court records.

$6 for MHS/MGS members; $8 for non-members
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Minnesota History Center
Register online.

Discover your Family History Workshop

Save the Date - April 22

Back by popular demand, the annual Discover Your Family History Workshop will be held April 22, 2006. The workshop focuses on effective family history research and preserving family treasures. Topics include:

• Developing a Research Plan, by Tom Rice
• Managing Your Digital Photos and Making Them Last, by Bonnie Wilson
• Navigating the Minnesota Birth and Death Indexes, by Duane Swanson
• Seven Habits of Highly Effective Genealogists, by Tom Rice
• Sharing Your Story on the Minnesota's Greatest Generation Web Site, by Linda Cameron
• Taking Care of Your Real Photos, by Bonnie Wilson
• Techniques for Effective Research, by Tom Rice
• Ten Under-Used Resources at the MHS, Mary Bakeman

There will also be a special behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and archival storage areas.

$40 for MHS members; $45 for non-members
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Minnesota History Center
Register online.