Pennsylvania Genealogy

USA (1,379,301) > Pennsylvania (70,618)

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Overview of Pennsylvania records

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Overview of Pennsylvania Genealogy Records

• History: Pennsylvania was first settled in 1643. It became a state in 1787.
• Birth records: Some Pennsylvania counties kept birth records from 1852-1854 and again starting in 1893. Statewide registration of births began in 1906 with complete records by 1915. Copies of recent birth certificates can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
• Marriage records: Marriage records were kept by the government in Pennsylvania starting in 1885 with a few kept before 1885. Copies of recent marriage certificates can be obtained from the marriage license clerk in the county courthouse where the marriage license was issued.
• Death records: Some Pennsylvania counties kept death records from 1852-1854 and again starting in 1893. Statewide registration of death began in 1906 with complete records by 1915. Copies of recent death certificates can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
• Philadelphia: Many of the records for the city of Philadelphia were kept separately and are kept in the Philadelphia City Archives.
• Census records: Federal censuses are available starting in 1790 and every 10 years through 1950.
• County records: Court, land, probate, and tax records were kept at the county level.
• Naturalization records: Naturalization records from 1727 to 1794 are at the Pennsylvania State Archives. After 1794, naturalization records were kept by the individual county courts.
• Church records: Many church records that were kept previous to civil registration have been preserved so checking for church records in the town or city where your ancestor lived may be helpful.
• 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.