“Family tree tacoma” almost always refers to the Tacoma Family Tree, a free, searchable genealogy website run by the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS) in Washington state. It is not a single family tree but a collection of databases, indexes, and resources built to help people research ancestors connected to Tacoma and Pierce County. If you are searching for that phrase, this article explains what the site is, what it contains, and how to get the most out of it.
What Is the Tacoma Family Tree?
The Tacoma Family Tree (tacomafamilytree.org) is the online home of the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society. The society was founded in 1948 and has been publishing local records and indexes for decades. The website brings many of those resources together in one place, free of charge. It is not a subscription database like Ancestry or Findmypast; it is a volunteer-run project focused specifically on Pierce County history.
Key resources on the site include:
- Indexes to local records – such as cemetery interments, obituaries, and marriage records.
- Digitized publications – including the society’s quarterly journal, Trail Breakers, and various local history books.
- Research guides – explaining how to use specific records for Pierce County research.
- Ancestor charts and surname lists – submitted by members and visitors.
What Records Can You Find?
The site’s most-used feature is its searchable indexes. These are not full images of original documents; they are transcriptions of names and key details. Volunteers have indexed records from:
- Cemeteries throughout Pierce County, including Tacoma’s historic cemeteries.
- Newspaper obituaries from local papers, some going back to the 19th century.
- Marriage and death records, often with dates and names of relatives.
- Local directories and census records, though coverage varies.
For example, the cemetery index might give you a person’s burial date, age, and plot location. The obituary index may point you to the newspaper and date of publication, which you can then look up on microfilm or through a library database. The indexes are meant to lead you to the original source, not replace it.
How to Use the Tacoma Family Tree Website
Using the site is straightforward, but a few tips help:
- Go to tacomafamilytree.org and click on the “Search” or “Databases” link.
- Choose a specific index (e.g., “Cemetery Index” or “Obituary Index”).
- Enter a surname, and optionally a given name and date range.
- Review the results. The entries usually include enough detail to identify the person.
- Click on the entry to see the full transcription, which may include source citations.
If you find a match, note the source information. You will often need to visit a library, archive, or the Washington State Digital Archives to see the original document. The society’s volunteers are happy to help with lookups if you cannot visit in person.
What the Site Does Not Have
It is important to know the limits. The Tacoma Family Tree is not a complete genealogy database. It does not have:
- Full census images (use FamilySearch or Ancestry for those).
- Birth certificates (those are restricted by Washington state law).
- Every cemetery in the county – only those that have been indexed so far.
- User-submitted family trees with linked sources, like on Ancestry.
Think of it as a finding aid. It tells you a record exists and where to look, but the original document is elsewhere. This is a common misconception: people expect to see a full family tree, but the site is actually a set of indexes.
Why Use It if You Already Have Ancestry?
Ancestry and other large sites have some Pierce County records, but their coverage is not always complete. The Tacoma Family Tree indexes are often more detailed for local sources. For example, the society has indexed obituaries from the Tacoma Daily Ledger and other papers that may not be fully searchable on commercial sites. Also, the site is completely free, and the search interface is simple.
Another advantage is the society’s local knowledge. They have published guides on researching Tacoma ancestors, including how to find records that are not online. If you hit a brick wall, you can contact the society and ask a volunteer for advice. That kind of help is rare on big genealogy websites.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Users often run into a few issues:
- No results for a common surname. Try spelling variations. In the 19th century, names were often spelled phonetically. The index may use the spelling from the original record.
- Results with no dates. Some indexes only have a name and a source reference. You may need to look up the original to get dates.
- Records are missing for certain years. The society indexes what volunteers have transcribed. Coverage is uneven. Check the “What’s New” page to see recent additions.
- You can’t find a death record. Washington state did not require death certificates until 1907. Before that, you may need to search church records or cemeteries.
If you get stuck, the society’s website has a contact form. They are known for being responsive, but remember they are all volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tacoma Family Tree free to use?
Yes, all the indexes and guides on the website are free. The society is a nonprofit run by volunteers. They do not charge for access to the online databases.
How do I find a burial record on the site?
Go to the “Cemetery Index” from the search page, type in the surname, and browse the results. Each entry usually includes the cemetery name, burial date, and sometimes the plot number. If the person is not listed, try the obituary index, which may mention the burial place.
Can I submit my own family tree to the site?
The society accepts submissions of ancestor charts and family group sheets, but they are not posted online automatically. Contact the society for current submission guidelines. They also publish some in their journal.
Does the site have records from outside Pierce County?
Mostly no. The focus is Tacoma and Pierce County. A few indexes may include neighboring areas, but if your ancestor lived elsewhere in Washington, you should check the Washington State Digital Archives or the local county genealogical society.
What if my ancestor is not in the indexes?
It could mean the record has not been transcribed yet, or the original does not exist. Try other sources: church records, city directories, or newspapers. The society’s research guides can point you to alternative records.
Alternatives and Complementary Resources
If you cannot find what you need on the Tacoma Family Tree, try these:
- Washington State Digital Archives – free access to many state and county records, including some early vital records.
- FamilySearch – free, with a large collection of Pierce County records, including census and church records.
- Ancestry.com – subscription site with many local collections, but not all are indexed.
- Northwest Room at the Tacoma Public Library – has local newspapers, city directories, and a genealogy collection. Some materials are digitized.
For anyone researching Tacoma-area ancestors, the Tacoma Family Tree is a valuable starting point. It is not a complete answer, but it provides a solid foundation of indexed records and local expertise that can save you hours of searching elsewhere.
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