August 14, 2026

This week I took a tour of the Wyoming State Archives. As the archivist explained many of the documents and records that the archives hold, I was reminded how much I enjoy research at state archives. They hold a wealth of information that is frequently underutilized.

 

If you aren’t using state archives, now is a good time to begin. Every state has a state archive and/or a state library. Most of them are in the state’s capitol city, although some states, such as Illinois, have regional archives rather than one central facility.

 

If a trip to a far-flung archive isn’t possible, they all have websites. Many of the websites feature databases containing documents such as death and marriage certificates that you can access from home. Others allow you to order various records for a modest fee (sometimes even for free). Some will even do limited research on request.

 

When it’s possible, it’s worthwhile to visit an archive in person. Before you go, call or write and specify which records you want to view. Many state archives are housed in small facilities, and the bulk of their records are kept in off-site storage. If you’re only in town for one day, you don’t want to spend your time waiting for records to be delivered.

 

Because archives tend to be underutilized, I’ve often been among a handful of patrons using the facility when I visited. Maybe because of this or maybe just because archivists are naturally nice, I’ve always found that getting help at archives is easy. Whether you’re calling or visiting in person, be sure to ask for additional hints for further research. They know their records better than you do. Take advantage of their expertise. Just remember that the archivists may have other tasks to do. Try to be concise when you’re describing what you want.

 

Before you visit or call an archive, be sure to check the online catalog to see whether the archive holds the records you need. Archives were created to preserve state records. This means that governors’ files and records, legislative minutes and various state departments’ records are a large part of the holdings. These types of records may be of genealogical interest if your ancestors were prominent in state politics.

 

For those of us with less prominent ancestors, archives also are the repository where counties send their records. These include birth and death records, marriage records, probate records and land records. Also included are court records, which means divorce cases and criminal and civil cases. Typically, counties retain their most recent records and send older records to the state archives.

 

Finally, state archives sometimes collect and preserve personal papers and photographs. Most archives also have newspapers from throughout their state on microfilm. Maps, directories and even school yearbooks may be archived as well.

 

With so much to offer, it’s strange that state archives remain underutilized. If you have a chance to visit one, be sure to. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Carol Stetser

Researcher

Larimer County Genealogical Society