Microfilmed indexes and compiled military service records for Union Army Volunteers

Question

I recently discovered this book: Genealogical Research at the National Archives of the United States. In section B, on page 140, there is Table 9 titled "Microfilmed indexes and compiled military service records for Union Army Volunteers". In the narrative on page 139 it says "...Filming of these records is continuing so researchers should consult the reference staff for latest availability." The book was published, I think, in 1983, so I would have thought that filming of these records must have occurred sometime in the last30 years.

Genealogical Research in the National Archives

My question is two part. Is there a current 'table' referenced above? In particular I'm interested in - NOT the INDEXES - but the compiled Military Service Records for the following states: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. As you can see in the table there appear to have not yet been filmed at the time of the publication. Does anyone have knowledge when these records will be microfilmed and/or digitized? All of my Civil War ancestors served in volunteer regiments from these states.

Jenette Parish · Answer

Hello Ms. Johnson, &#160; The CMSR collection has been digitized significantly since 1983. However, the states you mentioned have not yet been scanned into Fold3.com, only the index cards have been digitized. You may request the CMSR records in person in Washington D.C . or order online . &#160; Alternatively, many researchers have pulled CMSR for their genealogy and have scanned the records in our Innovation Hub in Washington D.C. The Innovation Hub is a pilot project where researchers can scan military CMSR or pension files for personal use but they are also saved to our catalog. There is a small chance that your relative may have been scanned by another researcher to the National Archives catalog.&#160;&#160; I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research! Jenny Parish

Catherine Brandsen · Answer

For folks who may need help "drilling down" in the catalog, try using these search terms: "citizen contributor" = everything scanned in the Innovation Hub "citizen contributor" pension = all pensions scanned in the Innovation Hub smith pension = pensions with the word "Smith" in them, including those scanned in the Hub and those scanned by partners such as Fold3 Substitute "compiled military service record"&#160; or "bounty land" for "pension" if you're looking for those.

Jenette Parish · Answer

Ms. Johnson, It is not entirely clear on when those state military records will be released electronically. However, here is a link to NARA's strategic plan to digitize a majority of our holdings. the best suggestion for now, is that you continue to search our catalog for the soldier's CMSR or Pension files. I coincidentally found another link today regarding immigrant soldiers and naturalization. It may be of value to review? www.naturalizationrecords.com - Special Cases . Jenny Parish

Microfilmed indexes and compiled military service records for Union Army Volunteers

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