Family History

Many people have a keen interest in family history (genealogy) and tracing their family roots. Dollar Museum holds a range of materials which may be of use to those researching their past. Our most useful source is the History of Dollar by Bruce Baillie which is well indexed. We have 19th century Reminiscences of Dollar by George Lawson, Rev. John C. Stewart, William Gibson, John Tait and Peter Porteus These works have been indexed by people and places.

We have a small number of Baptism, Marriage and Burial records. We hold copies of some title deeds to properties, business records and also a number of books and reference works. These may be of use to those researching their local family history. Much of the material is held by Scotlands People (see below) and can be accessed on-line.
Dollar museum additionally holds:
Valuation Rolls from 1899/1900; 1909/10; and 1934/35
Record of Lairs 1845-1877
Census from 1835;
Register of Voters 1832-1834 and 1905-1906
Indexes to Monumental Inscriptions
Photographic Collection and Dollar Magazines

In particular there is international interest in the family name of ‘Dollar’.  Said to be descendants of John Dollar, the Dollar Foundling, was Baptised ‘Dollar’ on 30th July 1742. Margaret Drysdale, wife of James Sorley, looked after the baby, who grew up in Dollar.

If you want to research this or other material then do contact us prior to your visit so that we can arrange an appointment, which can also be made outside weekend opening times. Please email the Curator

More generally, Scotlands People, part of the National Records of Scotland, holds extensive genealogical records. In the UK, registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths became a statutory duty in 1855. Scotland has since digitised its records and is one of the largest online sources of original genealogical information. This can be found at Scotlands People. It holds a range of records:

  • Statutory Records – Births, Marriages and Deaths 1855 onwards
  • Statutory Records – Civil Partnerships 2005 onwards
  • Old Parish Records Births, Marriages and Deaths 1553 – 1854
  • Catholic Parish Records Births 1703 – 1914; Marriages 1703 – 1939; Deaths 1703 – 1964
  • Census 1841 – 1921
  • Wills and Testaments 1513 – 1925
  • Soldiers Wills 1857 – 1966
  • Valuation Rolls 1855, 1875, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1930, 1935 and 1940
  • Scottish Prison Registers, various 1867 – 1921
  • Military Service Appeal Tribunal records 1916-1918
  • Highland and Island Emigration Society 1852-1857

There is also a valuable local resource at Alloa. Located in the Speirs Centre, the Family History Centre provides access to both ‘Scotlands People’ and local Clackmannanshire Archives.  Contact can be made through: The Registrar, Speirs Centre, Primrose Place, Alloa, FK10 1AD Tel: +44 (0)1259 – 723850/450000 Email: