FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I research someone who was a patient at the Fergus Falls State Hospital (FFRTC)?
The patient files have been transferred to the Minnesota Historical Society. If you are looking for the history of the Fergus Falls State Hospital (Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center, Third Minnesota Hospital for the Insane) we have several resources to assist you including: history files on the hospital and a collection of the newsletter they produced called The Weekly Pulse 1940-1993, indexed newspaper articles and hundreds of photographs. Most of the published items at the Minnesota Historical Society can also be found here such as works by Emery Johnson and Ben Leonard. However, when the center closed the Minnesota Historical Society received the patient files and organizational records.
Where are the State Hospital Cemetery records?
We have a name listing of
those we know to be buried at the State Hospital Cemetery in our library. The map of the burials was given to the Minnesota Department of Health, State Operated Services (Alan Van Buskirk 651-431-3695). We provided them with our name listing and as far as we know they are working to create a new map of the burials. They are working with a group to eventually place burial markers at the cemetery. Very few are currently marked with a tombstone.
Where can I research the property I own?
We have old plat maps and Tax Lists here at the Historical Society.
All deeds, mortgages, releases and other real estate documents are filed at the Recorder's Office located in the Government Services Center, 565 Fir Avenue West, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 Phone: 218-998-8140 Web site: County Recorder.
For Fergus Falls we have city directories and survey sheets that are very helpful. We also have Sanborn Insurance Maps for the major towns of Otter Tail County.
Where can I get a Certificate of Birth?
Birth certificates are available through the Otter Tail County Recorders Office located in the Government Services Center, 565 Fir Avenue West, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 Phone: 218-998-8140 Web site: County Recorder. In order to obtain a copy of birth or death certificates an individual must show proof of relationship to individual listed on the certificates. This is called Tangible Interest. The Minnesota Birth Record Application must be signed in the presence of a notary public or a local registrar. Fee: $26 for one, each additional $19. We can help you find out if a birth certificate exists between 1871-1901. Our cemetery database and our collection of rural school student cards, are wonderful resource for birth dates. Request a lookup. The Minnesota Historical Society has an on-line search of Birth Certificates. The index covers birth certificates from 1900-1934, supplemented by about 2700 pre-1900 records for all of Minnesota.
Where can I get a Certificate of Death?
Death certificates are available through the Otter Tail County Recorders Office located in the Government Services Center, 565 Fir Avenue West, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 Phone: 218-998-8140 Web site: County Recorder. In order to obtain a copy of birth or death certificates an individual must show proof of relationship to individual listed on the certificates. This is known as "Tangible Interest." The Minnesota Death Record Application must be signed in the presence of a registrar unless it is submitted via the internet. Fee: $13 for one, each additional $6. We can help you find out if a death certificate exists between 1871-1918. Request a lookup. The Minnesota Historical Society has an on-line search of Death Certificates. The index covers death certificates from 1908-2001, supplemented by death cards from 1904-1907.
Where can I get a copy of a Marriage License?
Certified copies of marriage licenses are available through the Otter Tail County Recorders Office located in the Government Services Center, 565 Fir Avenue West, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 Phone: 218-998-8140 Web site: County Recorder. Fee: $9. We can help you find out if a marriage license was taken out in Otter Tail County between 1869-1991. Request a lookup. Registrars from all around Minnesota have been working toward a database of Marriage Licenses & Certificates known as MOMS. Otter Tail County has currently submitted an index starting with 1945 marriages.
I want to know more about a Criminal Case, where should I go?
Your first step is to contact the Otter Tail County Court Administration Office to obtain the case file number. Once you have the case file number you can contact the Minnesota Historical Society who you can hire to make a copy of the case file or you can interlibrary loan the microfilm which contains the case file. The Otter Tail County Court Administration is located on the third floor of the Otter Tail County Courthouse, 121 Junius Ave West, Suite 310, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 Phone: 218-998-8420 Web site: Court Administration
Who should I contact regarding probate or divorce records?
Court Administration maintains all of the records in each of the Court's six divisions - Civil, Family, Probate, Juvenile, Criminal/Traffic, and Conciliation Court; manages the Court calendars for each judge; oversees the jury program; insures accurate accounting and distribution of fines, fees, trust funds, restitution, and bail; provides accurate recording and safekeeping of trial exhibits; and assists members of the public as they seek to meet their legal needs through District Court. Court Administration is located on the third floor of the Otter Tail County Courthouse, 121 Junius Ave West, Suite 310, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537 Phone: 218-998-8420 Web site: Court Administration
What information do you have on adoptions? We have made no effort to collect information on adoptions. There are a number of websites and agencies available on the internet to assist you. Visit Lutheran Social Services' Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
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