Research

For all who are interested in the people and places of Tillamook County

Historic Oregon Newspapers This is full-text searchable database contains more than three million pages from Oregon newspapers dated 1846-2026. The Oregon Digital Newspaper Program (ODNP) provides free online access to digitized Oregon newspapers via the Historic Oregon Newspapers database at the University of Oregon. You can search and access complete content for historic Oregon newspapers that have been digitized as part of the ODNP. Searchs can be limited to newspapers published in Tillamook County such as the Tillamook Herald, Tillamook Headlight, Cloverdale Courier, and the North Coast Times-Eagle.

Early Oregon Person File This sesquintennial project documents individuals who lived in Oregon prior to statehood through 1860. Searches can be limited by county and can be refined to include only results from Tillamook, although at least one name is required to search.

Oregon Historical Records Index The Oregon Historical Records Index (OHRI) contains searchabe entries from records held by the Oregon State Archives. It is a statewide database compiled by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Archives Division. Records for Tillamook County include: Births 1903-1918; Delayed Birth Certificates 1867-1910; Change of Name 1901-1904; Divorces 1875-1908; Estates 1859-1953; Guardianships 1878-1953; Naturalizaions 1860-1954; and Widow’s Pensions 1913-1937. For more information on searching, follow the helpful link at the bottom of the page for the Historical Records Index FAQ. Digital PDF files are sent upon request by filling out the request form. Requests are filled quickly and the records are most often of charge.

Find a Grave Find a Grave is a collaborative online database of cemetery records. Individual grave records may contain dates and places of birth and death, biographical information, cemetery and plot information, and photographs, making it a valuabe genealogy resource. It is currently owned by Ancestry and maintained by millions of volunteers globabally. Cemetery location can be limited to Tillamook County.

Tillamook County Records Inventory The Oregon Historical County Records Guide is the result of the Oregon Historical Records Project (OHRP), funded by a grant from the National Historic Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). The work is patterned after the first comprehensive inventory of county records undertaken in Oregon. In the late 1930s the Historic REcors Survey, a project of the Federal Works Project Adminstration, compiled inventories of unpublished government records in oregon. Guides were published for thirteen counties including Tillamook. The records are grouped alphabetically under categories such as Circuit, County and Justice Court records (1860-1983); Census records (1850-1990); Birth and Death records (1867-1994); Deeds and other land records, including Homestead & Donation Land Claims(1854-1994); Marriage records (1854-1964); Naturalization (1907-1927); Prisoner registers (1946-1966); and Probate case files (1859-2007). Under each category, the inventory describes the types of records held, their content, and where the records are stores. Some can be requested through county offices and some are held at the State Archives, and searchable using the Oregon Historical Records Index (link above).

Tilllamook County Pioneer Museum Obituaries Obituaries of Tillamook pioneers from 1871 to December 2019. Please note, the very old obituaries are sporadic and may not include all information. Entries are listed alphabetically by last name.

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Family Files Use this link to access a finding aid of TCPM’s genealogical family files. This cursory index lists the names and contents of files the museum has collected over the years for individuals who have lived in Tillamook County. The finding aid is organized alphabetically by last name of the family and is crossed referenced to the women’s maiden name. The finding aid identifies if the files contain photos, newspaper clippings, obituaries, genealogies, etc. The documents can then be requested through the museum’s research library. If you have family from Tillamook would like to contribute to the Family Files, please contact the museum directly.

Genealogy Trails, Tillamook County As part of the national Genealogy Trails Group, this site is maintained by volunteers dedicated to free genealogy. Their goal is to help you track your ancestors by transcribing genealogical and historical data and placing it online for the free use of all researchers. It is a treasure trove of information including many Tillamook County pioneer biographies.

South Tillamook County History A website of historical information and photographs featuring the communities, schools, and cemeteries of South County. The website also includes historic newspaper articles, transcripts of interviews, and stories about the people, places and events of South Tillamook County.

Oregon Historic Sites, Tillamook The Oregon Historic Sites Database is managed by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. It allows users to search for historic properties, districts, and landmarks across the state. This PDF lists the historic sites in Tillamook County and their historic designation. The database includes both state-recognized and National Register-listed sites, providing detailed information about each entry.

South Tillamook County Library Subject Files Headings The South Tillamook County Branch Library has extensive subject files with many historical documents and photographs. This PDF is a listing of the headings in the files. For research assistance, Contact the library directly.

Historical Photos from Tillamook Roads and Bridges A small collection of historical photos from the Tillamook County Road Department grouped by North County, Central Country and South County.

General History of the Netarts Bay Area A chronological timeline of important events in the history of Netarts from the 1400s through 1994, including a bibliography of suggested reading. Also downloadable as a PDF.