|
How to Find Public Records in Arkansas
Public Records Search: Arkansas
State Archives
Today, many states offer online databases whereby their treasury of
archives may be browsed and specific records and information may be
obtained. Arkansas provides an excellent online archival resource at
ark-ives.com. By visiting this site, researchers have access to county
records, U.S. Census records, photographs, newspapers, state government
records, maps, military records, books, pamphlets, church and cemetery
records.
Maintained by the Arkansas History Commission, this navigable website is
geared to meet both documentary and visual needs of various researchers,
according to its mission. This archival agency, created in 1905, is one
of the nation�s oldest. The site states: �Today, the agency continues
the tradition of preserving Arkansas's documentary heritage by
collecting and providing access to manuscript materials, maps, books,
visuals, family histories, and various county, state, and federal
records. The Commission serves thousands of patrons and hosts several
million visits to this website each year.�
The Arkansas History Commission can be visited online or you may visit
them in person at 1 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. This
agency provides research rooms for handling and working with various
archival materials. However, researchers should know that this agency
will not perform research. Materials may be viewed or ordered online and
researchers may perform their own research at the actual site. Staff is
not equipped to perform these functions for visitors.
To perform a search of the site�s materials online look at the top of
the main page. From the menu, click on �selected materials.� You will be
directed to a page containing a long list of links�nearly everything the
site offers in the way of records and information. Also, if you do not
already have Acrobat Reader installed on you home computer (necessary to
view the records), this page provides a link for you to download it for
free.
Researchers will see at a glance the wealth of information that is a
click away. Databases as well as links to request forms are cataloged on
this page. Some of the links include: WWI and WWII records, Arkansas
newspapers, Arkansas Confederate Home records, Small Manuscripts
Collection, Arkansas Masonic records, Native American records, African
American newspapers, Japanese American relocation camps in Arkansas,
Arkansas vital records indexes, Shrader negatives, Arkansas photographs,
etc�
As a sample archival search, click on Arkansas country records. When
directed, you will be able to search a country from a drop down menu and
add keywords in a data entry box. For instance, to search for an
Arkansas marriage record for a specific county, choose the county and
type the word marriage. You will be directed to a list of marriage
records contained on microfilm and organized by dates. Write down a
specific roll�s identifying numbers called the Family History Number.
Microfilm may be ordered and viewed at any local Family History Center
as well.
Much of the information contained on this site is free. Photocopies of
materials are not free. If you need to send in a form for photocopies
for Confederate pensions for example, expect a fee of $15.00. Most of
the information on the site is free, however. Researchers should
realize, though, that there are other Arkansas agencies dedicated to
specific records like birth or death records. The great thing about this
site is it has a variety of information for the public, though
admittedly some areas are not complete.
Yet, for searching for various types of Arkansas records, the Arkansas
History Commission has very much to offer. While using the website, if
researchers find they have a question not easily answered by the site
itself, they may call the Commission at 501-682-6900.
Order right now and get
Immediate Access to
sources for Arkansas Public Records, Unlimited
Background Checks and more!
|
