Tuesday, September 21, 2010

New Website - Sirius Genealogy 2.0

The following announcement was written by Sirius Innovations, LLC:

Sirius Innovations, LLC is pleased to announce the release of “The Sirius Genealogist Web Directory at the Sirius Genealogy 2.0 website. The Web Directory is a well-organized collection of genealogy related resources that will help the amateur and professional genealogist perform research, find education / training programs, evaluate software options, find hardware, evaluate an assortment of service based offerings, and participate in the genealogy community. The directory is completely search able by category and/or location.

Individual listings can include a detailed description, links to websites, user ratings & reviews, down loadable v-cards and more. Listings can also be easily printed, saved to a favorites area or downloaded as a PDF.

The editors of Sirius Genealogy 2.0 invite users of our website to submit their FREE listing to the Web Directory today. Each listing is individually reviewed for relevancy before approval and then added to the appropriate categories.

Check it out at http://www.siriusgenealogy.com

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

New Vital Records Law Goes Into Effect

On July 12th, 2010 a new law preventing fraudulent use of vital records went into effect. Vital records include birth certificates, fetal death and death certificates, marriage certificates, and domestic partner registrations. Maine's new law will require a person requesting a copy of records less than 100 years old to provide documentation establishing their direct and legitimate interest in the records.

Until now, Maine has been one of just a handful of states that have allowed anyone, including individuals with bad intentions and for profit entities, access to these records. Information from vital records will become completely open to the public 100 years from the date of the event.

Individuals who may access vital records less than 100 years old include:

* The person named on the record;
* The person's spouse or registered domestic partner;
* The parent(s) named on the record;
* Descendants of the person named on the record;
* Registrant's legal custodian, guardian, or conservator or respective authorized representative (includes attorney, physician, or funeral director); and
* Genealogists who have a Maine CDC issued researcher identification card.

Proof of identity must also be presented to the municipal and city clerks or state Vital Records Office staff. A brief application for securing a copy of the vital record must be filled out and presented, along with positive identification such as a driver's license, passport, or other government issued picture identification that clearly shows that the person requesting the record is who they say they are. Identification requirements apply whether the records are requested in person or by mail.

The Genealogical Research Application form is located at:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/phs/odrvs/vital-records/index.shtml about half way down the page.