Ancient Norsemen called it Vinland, but we know it as Newfoundland today.
Settling on this largest of North American islands, the first settlers, known as Beothuk, probably migrated from nearby Labrador.
Historians suggest that the next settlers after the Beothuk were what we now call Native Americans, in this case a tribe known as the Micmac.
If you have family there today or know of ancestors from Newfoundland, you'll be happy to know that there are several resources that are available for genealogical research in Newfoundland.
These government agencies and offices have documents and resources that may help you locate important information and get more details about your Newfoundland heritage: Department of Government Services and Land This department issues and maintains records of birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death records.
The department's services are located throughout the island, and you can get application forms to obtain records related to your ancestors there.
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Provincial Archives Records documenting historical events and data are housed in the Provincial Archives.
They maintain church records that include baptism, marriage, and internment certificates.
You may also be able to find these same records from the vital statistics register.
Public Library Although there are community libraries throughout the island, the capital and largest city, St John?s, is served by three major public libraries that maintain important historical records and documents.
All of these offer free internet access.
* A C Hunter Public Library in the Arts & Culture Centre, also the Provincial Resource Library, supports all of the province?s other libraries * Marjorie Mews Public Library on Torbay Road serves the city?s north-east end * Michael Donovan Public Library, in Waterford Valley Mall, services St.
John's west end Non-Governmental Resources In addition to government resources, several Newfoundland groups and associations are organized help people with their genealogical research.
They include: * Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives (ANLA), located in St.
John's, has a well-kept archive of province records.
In addition to keeping the records, the ANLA administers and promotes education programs through training and workshops.
* The Newfoundland Historical Society is reputed to be the first heritage association in the province.
Seeking to promote knowledge and public discussion, the Society is supported by membership fees, donations, and publication sales.
It sponsors a series of free public lectures in the fall and spring and publishes books and bibliographies on Newfoundland and Labrador history that may be helpful in genealogical research.
Other helpful associations in Newfoundland that you can contact for your search are the Bay St.
George Heritage Association in Stephenville, the Ferryland Historical Society in Ferryland, and the Alberta Family Histories Society.
Newfoundland's Grand Banks website was constructed to support genealogical research on Newfoundland.
Open to all, visitors should find fundamental genealogical and historical data for the province.
Of course, it will be important to consult directories and visit churches and cemeteries on the island to do thorough research in Newfoundland.
The internet is an excellent tool for learning more about Newfoundland ancestry and family history.
Using almost any dependable search engine, you can find several Newfoundland genealogy-related websites that offer inexpensive, even free, information.