Genealogy

Genealogy is fast becoming the number one hobby in America today. As a result, municipal clerks offices receive numerous requests each week for information. Requests are received in person, in the mail, over the phone and now by email messages. Municipalities have different polices regarding conducting genealogy research - some charge by the hour, some charge per search. This pamphlet is developed with the intent to provide information to citizens conducting genealogy research on ancestors from the Lewiston, Maine area. Specific questions regarding office policy for genealogy research in Lewiston should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at 207-513-3124.

Information on Obtaining Copies of Maine Vital Records

Per the July 12, 2010 state law changes, a MAINE CDC VITAL RECORDS RESEARCHER CARD is required by anyone conducting genealogy research if the record is not 100 years old and if the person doing the research is not a direct descendant of the person whose record they are seeking. 

Applications for a
MAINE CDC VITAL RECORDS RESEARCHER CARD
can be found at the State of Maine

Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics - Vital Records

Genealogy Research

Local Level

City of Lewiston Municipal Records

  • Birth, marriage and death records for Lewiston residents if the event took place in Lewiston.
  • Records from present date back to 1700s.
  • Records before 1892 are not a complete listing.

FEES:$6 per record searched. If record is found, $6 fee includes a photocopy labeled "NOT FOR LEGAL PURPOSES". $15 for a certified copy in long form.

Download Genealogy Research Request Forms for:

Birth
Certificates

Death
Certificates

Marriage
Certificates

Make check payable to "City of Lewiston". Include all known information with the written request - name, dates, location.

Fees must be paid in advance. Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. City Clerk’s Office, Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, ME 04240-7297 - 207-513-3124.

Please include a self addressed stamped Number 10 (business size) envelope.

 As of July 12, 2010, the state law has changed regarding access to vital records. All records that are 100 years old or older are now considered public records and are open to the public. Any member of the public may purchase informational (non-certified) copies of any birth, marriage and death record that is 100 years old or older.

 Anyone conducting genealogy research on records that are under 100 years old must present a Maine CDD/ODRVS researcher card. Genealogists with no direct and legitimate interest to the record must present the researcher card and are only entitled to purchase non-certified copies of the record. Genealogists wanting to purchase certified copies of records under 100 years old must present identification, the researcher card and demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest to the record they are seeking.

Due to the volume of requests, phone and email request searches can not be honored. In addition, due to consideration for other customers and office work load requirements, genealogy search requests submitted in person at the customer service window need to be limited to two requests. Other search requests can be left with the office staff and will be processed within thirty days.