HEBRON — Oxford County East Register of Deeds Patricia Shearman and Register of Probate Jennifer Dilworth briefed the Hebron Historical Society on how their respective offices can be accessed by the public.

Shearman spoke of how property deeds dating back to the early 19th century have been digitized so anyone with Internet access can research, retrieve and print out information that previously required visiting the deeds library itself.

Internet users can visit www.maineregistryofdeeds.com and select the county and town they’re interested in. Public computers are available in the research room in the Courthouse.

Many of the early deeds were recorded in towns and counties which have since changed names. The Oxford area, for example, used to be part of Cumberland County. Shearman said the deeds office will answer any access questions researchers may have about their records system.

Dilworth explained the purpose of the probate system and how wills are the first step in determining who will act as the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, as certified by the probate court.

Dilworth said people use records to answer questions they have when tracing their genealogies. Some records reflect name changes. Adoption information is available for records before 1953. Since then, this information has been protected by law. Information from the Register of Probate may be accessed online by visiting www.maineprobate.net.

The next Historical Society meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Hebron Town Office, 351 Paris Road. The meeting will feature World War II veteran John Compton, who will speak on the history of military awards and decorations.