FAQs

I am planning a trip to the Library & Archives. What do I need to know?

First, familiarize yourself with the information on our Visiting the Reference Room page and with our hours . Second, conduct a search of our collections . As you search, compile a list of resources you would like to view during your visit and present this list to staff when you arrive. The Montana History Compass and Archives West are also helpful tools.

Do you have wireless access?

Am I allowed to bring a scanner or camera?

How can I obtain an obituary?

How can I obtain a copy of a birth, death, or marriage record?

We have marriage records for most counties, but please consult with our staff before submitting a research request. We have birth and death records for only seven of Montana's 56 counties. The Department of Public Health and Human Services has all birth and death records. Each county clerk's office may also have birth, death, and marriage records.

Can you tell me when my relative died in Montana?

What census information do you have?

When you visit us, you can access any U.S. census using our subscription to Ancestry.com. We also have the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 Federal Census on microfilm, and all are indexed. Montana has never conducted a state census, but our library holdings include a variety of specialized census and area reports. Go to our online catalog, search for the term census, and use the filters at left to narrow your results.

Is there an index to Montana newspaper articles?

I am adopted; can you help me find my birth parents?

Do you have a record of my family's livestock brand?

Yes, we likely have a record of your family's brand. We have records of brands recorded in Montana from 1873 through 2010. They are accessible either by the brand or by the name of the person to whom it was registered. Most of these records are available online on the Montana History Portal. If you prefer, you can conduct a brand search using microfilm in our reading room or you can submit a research request.

Do you have a record of my family's homestead?

Can you tell me who built my house and when it was constructed?

If you are attempting to find the architect or builder of your historic home, we won't be very helpful. Few, if any, communities in Montana required building permits before the 1960s. Therefore, there is no central repository for that information. We have Sanborn Fire Insurance maps for most Montana towns and a collection of city directories for major cities. However, the primary source of information on individual properties resides with the Clerk and Recorder and the Tax Assessor at the relevant county courthouse. You may also want to read visit our Property Research Guide.

Do you have photos of historical buildings in my community?

How do I locate photographs of specific individuals?

You can search our catalog to find photograph records, and you can search the Montana History Portal to find digitized photographs. We can also help you locate photographs of people. Please submit a research request and include the person's name, location, occupation, and birth and death dates. It is helpful to know whether the person held public office or took part in a significant event. We'll let you know what we find, and we can provide you with photocopies or thumbnails of the images and information about how to order prints or digital copies.

During a Google search, I found a "finding aid" for a collection. What is this?

I found an old stock certificate. How do I learn more about the corporation?

We hold the Montana Secretary of State Business Entity records for inactive corporations. You can view the business entity file in our Reference Room during open hours, or you can submit a research request to obtain a copy of the file. For information on active corporations, contact the Montana Secretary of State office.

Can you help me with my paper, thesis, or project?

The best approach is to acquaint yourself with our collections by searching our catalog. As you search, build a list of sources and present this list when you arrive. The Montana History Compass and Archives West are also helpful for compiling a list of relevant resources. Our staff is available by phone during our open hours at (406) 444-2681, or you can e-mail us at mthslibrary@mt.gov.

How do I donate historical materials to you?

Library & Archives FAQs