Welcome to the MIHC Genealogy Research Portal!
Although we specialize in Irish and Irish-American genealogy, our resources extend far beyond Ireland. Through AmericanAncestors.org, you’ll have access to more than 400 record-based databases containing billions of records from around the globe—including the United States, the British Isles, continental Europe, and more. This includes one of the most extensive online collections of early American genealogical records and the largest searchable collection of published genealogical research journals and magazines.
As a member of the Maine Irish Heritage Center, you’ll have exclusive access to an exceptional suite of premium genealogy resources, including:
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American Ancestors from the New England Historic Genealogical Society
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FamilySearch Affiliate Library version, offering expanded records and images
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Newspapers.com, a vast archive of historical newspapers
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RootsIreland.ie, Ireland’s most extensive collection of church and civil records
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FindMyPast, a leading platform for Irish and British genealogy
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Ancestry Library Edition, the library-access version of the world’s most popular genealogy database
Alongside these premium tools, the portal connects you with the best public and free resources available, all in one place:
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Ireland’s National Archives, including census returns and military service records
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Ellis Island Passenger Search, for tracking Irish immigration to the United States
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Griffith’s Valuation, a key mid-19th-century property and tax survey of Ireland
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And many more trusted databases to support your search
Visitors are welcome by appointment to bring their own laptops to use in our genealogy research library, or they can take advantage of one of our dedicated research computers, pre-loaded with access to all our premium and public resources. Access is free for Maine Irish Heritage Center members, while non-members are invited to explore our resources for a fee of $25 for a two-hour session. Whether you’re working independently or just getting started, our library is designed to make your research experience as convenient and productive as possible.
Whether you’re uncovering generations of Irish ancestry or piecing together your family’s American story, the Genealogy Research Portal is your gateway to meaningful discovery.
Library Use Only: Explore Premium Databases at the Center
Please note: While some database websites may open outside of the library, subscription access will only be activated when using our on-site library network. To take full advantage of these resources, please visit the Maine Irish Heritage Center’s research library in person.
Affiliate Library Access!
Free Access from Anywhere: Online Genealogy Tools at Your Fingertips
Old Newspapers from the USA & Canada
LOCAL OBITUARIES
Catholic Parishes & Maps
Ellis Island Passenger Search
Griffiths Valuation
Library & Genealogy Research Services
Genealogy Services
The Maine Irish Heritage Center provides research assistance for locating Irish ancestors, with special expertise in the Connemara region of Galway which was the source of much of the immigration to Maine. We offer two types of access to ancestry research resources. Subscription-based content is only available in the library. Other resources are freely available and can be accessed anytime from the comfort of your home.
Spend an hour with our genealogists coming up with a game plan. People consistently tell us that this helps save them time and enables them to focus on what’s important. Good luck with your search!
Come Prepared
When visiting our volunteer genealogists for a consultation, the following items are invaluable. Please send them as far in advance of your appointment as possible to avoid duplication of effort. The more time we have to prepare, the more productive our meeting will be.
- Family Tree
- Genealogy backgrounder completed online or by downloading the PDF.
- DNA Results if available
- Flash drive to save new information electronically
- Copies of documents or electronic data for your family that may provide clues about their origins. Examples might include family letters, naturalization papers, birth, marriage, and death certificates
Visiting the Library
Hours: Thursdays from 10:00 – 2:00
Research inquiries: library@maineirish.com
Using the Genealogy Center
Genealogy Assistance is available on Fridays between 10:00 – 2:00 by appointment.
Appointments for one-on-one research and DNA interpretation must be made at least 48-hours in advance online.