Records with key lock
Hello Family Search, Thank you for this wonderful site. Why are some records locked with key symbol so that we have to go to library to see them? For example land and property records in Harford County Maryland. Many other records there like courts and wills are not locked, why these?
Best Answer
-
@Melvin Neville, it looks like @Brett . has provided some excellent resources to help you understand why some records are restricted.
You mentioned Harford County , Maryland land and property records. There is an excellent resource that is provided by the Maryland State Archives that will allow to view digit representations of the land records that you would find in the archives or the Hanford county clerk's office.
Here is the link to MDLANDREC: https://mdlandrec.net/main/
This service is free, but you will have to create an account. I don't know that Harford records can be found that, but I would expect so.
Good luck in your searching.
0
Answers
-
When the records are marked with a key, they are locked from being viewed at home. Depending on the restrictions of the original record holder, you may be able to view them at a local Family History Center (when those reopen), a FamilySearch affiliate library, or, in some cases, only in Salt Lake City.
0 -
Why are there "restrictions of the original record holder"... what purpose does it serve? Is it money? privacy? Seems strange that in the same county at the same time land deeds are locked but wills and courts and others are open.
0 -
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
FYI
For starters ...
Here are some additional "Knowledge Articles" in 'FamilySearch':
Why are there access restrictions on Historical Records?
Why do some indexes have access limitations?
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/why-are-some-indexes-restricted
What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?
I hope this helps, somewhat.
Brett
0 -
@Brett . Thank you and best regards
0 -
I just hope that those "Knowledge Articles" help you.
Any, in-depth 'Questions', do not hesitate to ask ...
Although, I doubt, whether I can 'Answer' them; but, I am certain, someone will
All the best, to you too.
Brett
0 -
Make sure you're logged in and then refresh the catalog page. The keys may all disappear.
Alternately, if you've checked the "keep me signed in" box, you may be able to just ignore the key and click on the camera to be taken to the images.
1 -
@Mike357 Thank you! Perfect... the needed deed record images from 1798 thru 1838 are there!!
Seems strange that they cannot be available on FamilySearch. I suppose it it is ok to upload pdf copies and attach to ancestors as sources and/or memories.
Thanks again and best regards
0
