Vital Records Volunteer

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General Description

Dakota County has been keeping records of births and deaths since 1870, and of marriages since 1857. These are known as "Vital Records" and this name reflects their importance to the history of families in Dakota County.

We’re looking for volunteers who are interested in genealogy and historic records to help us create computerized indexes to these vital records. Our oldest birth, death, and marriage records are hand-written, and so are challenging to search. We are in the process of entering the information into a searchable database to allow researchers better access to these valuable family records.

Location

Dakota County Administration Center

1590 Highway 55

Hastings, MN 55033

Date/Time

This project will be flexible in hours anytime during normal County business hours (8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday). We prefer to schedule sessions of at least two hours at a time.

Duties & Responsibilities

Transcribe information from record books into a computer database accurately and proficiently

Minimum Qualifications

• Ages 16 and up
• Basic typing and computer skills
• Ability to read cursive handwriting
• Comfortable working with details and with little supervision
• Background check completed with Dakota County

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours shifts. Weekly commitment with flexible scheduling preferred.

Activity Level

Sedentary - This project generally involves sitting at a computer terminal and entering data. The ability to lift and move the record books (up to 20 pounds) is helpful, but not necessary.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us