New York Genealogy

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Overview of New York records

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Overview of New York Genealogy Records

• History: New York was first settled in 1625. It was settled in the eastern and northern portions of the state in earlier years with settlements in the western portion later on. It became a state in 1788.
• New York City: On this site, records relating to New York City may be found under New York City, Bronx County, New York County, Kings County, Queens County, Staten Island, or Long Island.
• Birth records: Birth records are kept at a town/city level. Statewide registration of births in New York began in 1880 with complete records by 1915. A few cities began keeping birth records before 1880. Copies of recent birth certificates can be obtained from the local town or city clerk or from the New York State Department of Health.
• Marriage records: Individual cities and towns keep marriage records. Statewide registration of marriages in New York began in 1881. A few cities began keeping marriage records before 1881. Copies of recent marriage certificates can be obtained from the local town or city clerk or from the New York State Department of Health.
• Death records: Individual cities and towns keep death records. Statewide registration of deaths in New York began in 1880 with complete records by 1890. A few cities began keeping death records before 1880. Copies of recent death certificates can be obtained from the local town or city clerk or from the New York State Department of Health.
• New York City vital records: The vital records of New York City are kept separately at the New York City Municipal Archives and the New York City Health Department.
• Albany and Buffalo vital records: Vital records for the cities of Albany and Buffalo are kept by the individual cities and not with the statewide records.
• Census records: Federal censuses are available starting in 1790 and every 10 years through 1950. There were state censuses taken in New York in 1855, 1865, 1892, 1905, 1915, and 1925.
• County records: Court, immigration, land, probate, and tax records were kept at the county level.
• Other records: Many cities and towns had newspapers, records kept by churches, cemeteries, histories, school, city directories, and other records that can be located on the city pages on this site. Records specific to minority groups can be found in the Minority Records section.
• All records: Online indexes and images of many of the above records can be found by using the links on this site.