----Original Message Follows---- Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:56:27 -0800 (PST) Jefferson City -- Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced the Missouri State Archives' selection as one of the nation's top twenty-five best family history websites by the readers of Family Tree Magazine. Only one other state archives made the list of popular genealogy sites. Carnahan said: "I am pleased that the Archives is considered one of the best websites. It is especially meaningful because the sites were selected by the people who use them the most - family historians. At the Archives, we are committed to offering access to Missouri history in innovative ways. Our enthusiasm and ability to connect the public to historical and genealogical information has been recognized and we feel privileged to be included in the magazine's list." The Missouri State Archives is the officially designated repository for all state records of permanent and historical value. A wealth of information is available, with more than 150 million pages of paper, 60,000 reels of microfilm, and many other resources. A variety of online databases and projects provide access to birth and death records, county coroner's inquests, Missouri Supreme Court historical cases, and St. Louis Probate Court records. The Archives also recently updated its comprehensive Soldiers Database, which includes personnel from the War of 1812 through World War I. Other online projects of interest include the Civil War Provost Marshal Index Database and the St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project. To access these resources, log on to the Secretary of State's website at http://www.sos.mo.gov and click on "State Archives." Laura Wilson Missouri State Archives Staff Liaison to Friends of the Missouri State Archives (573) 526-5326