Geneaology
Discover the story of your family with the Idaho State Archives, where a wealth of resources is available to help you trace your roots and uncover connections to the past. From extensive on-site collections—featuring family histories, emigration records, military rosters, and rare genealogical periodicals—to online indexes and research guides, our resources support beginners and seasoned researchers alike. Whether you are visiting in person or exploring from home, our staff and collections are here to guide you on your journey through Idaho’s history and your own family’s legacy.
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday| 11am-4pm
Closed
Closed State Holidays
Location
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712
Contact
(208) 334-2620
Family Research Resources
Learn About Your Family History
The Idaho State Archives has a variety of resources to help you learn about your family’s history. Whether you are accessing our collections on-site or off-site, you are sure to find materials that will help.
Family History Research On-site
The book collection includes family histories, from Abbe to Zumwalt; works such as Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Lineage Books; how-to handbooks and reference guides; emigration records; local, state and regional histories; miscellaneous materials from around the United States, including atlases, gazetteers, guides to public records, bibliographies, vital records; printed census indexes; a variety of military rosters; and selected foreign materials.
Microfilm materials include Idaho Death Index and Certificates, 1911-1937, and a substantial portion of U.S. Census records.
The periodical collections includes newsletters and journals from family, local, and state genealogical societies; and titles such as Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine; New York Genealogical and Biographical Record; and National Genealogical Society Quarterly. Idaho State Archives staff is happy to assist you with any research or history related questions.
Family History Research Online
The Idaho State Historical Society preserves and makes available a wide number of resources and materials related to Idaho history through on-line indexes. Or, check our guide to Adoption, Birth, Death, Divorce, and Marriage Information.
Other Helpful Information
The National Genealogical Society website contains many resources that can help with genealogical research, from getting started to finding that last piece of the puzzle. NGS also provides an excellent set of standards for genealogical research on their website. The Idaho Genealogical Society offers Pioneer and Early Settler certificates.