[Genealib] Michigan death records at the Library of Michigan

[Kris Rzepczynski]

Of interest to genealogy librarians and researchers with Michigan roots.
This statewide collection is an absolute gold mine for genealogists,
with more to become available in the future at the Library of Michigan. 

 
A new collection of Michigan vital records is now available on
microfilm at the Library of Michigan. Michigan Death Records, 1897-1920,
were previously available only through a request to the Michigan Vital
Records Office for a search fee of at least $26. Researchers may now
search records for free and get copies at a fraction of the cost - 20
cents per photocopy. The Library of Michigan is able to provide this
resource, and additional records collections to be made available in the
future, thanks to a donation from the Michigan Genealogical Council.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom George (Public Act 73 of 2006) allows
for the transfer of certain vital records from the state registrar to
the Library of Michigan, enabling public access and facilitating
genealogical research.

"This is a fitting kickoff to our celebration of Family History Month
in October, and we're so grateful to the Michigan Genealogical Council,
Sen. George, and all the staff whose hard work helped make it happen,"
said State Librarian Nancy R. Robertson.  "Increasing access to vital
records on microfilm - one of our most heavily used genealogy resources
- will benefit family history researchers across the state and even help
draw out-of-state visitors who come to use our extensive collection." 

This set of records supplements the Library of Michigan's existing
vital records collection, which also includes Michigan death records
from 1867 to 1897.  "This really fills a gap in Michigan genealogical
research, and the real winners are the library users who will have
access to these records in a way they haven't before," said Randy Riley,
Special Collections Manager at the Library of Michigan.

The Library of Michigan is located inside the Michigan Library and
Historical Center at 702 W. Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State
Capitol in downtown Lansing.  The main entrance and visitor parking are
located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of M.L. King Boulevard.

If anyone has additional questions about these Michigan death records,
please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kris Rzepczynski
Michigan/Genealogy Coordinator
Library of Michigan
517.373.9456
krzepczynski at michigan.gov