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| width="8%" align="center" | '''Government Registration''' | | width="8%" align="center" | '''Government Registration''' | ||
| width="11%" bgcolor="# | | width="11%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]''' | ||
| width="10%" bgcolor="# | | width="10%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]''' | ||
| width="11%" bgcolor="# | | width="11%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="center" | '''[[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Death_Records|Deaths]]''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="8%" bgcolor="# | | width="8%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="left" | '''County/Town''' | ||
| width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893 | | width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893 | ||
| width="10%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1885 | | width="10%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1885 | ||
| width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893 | | width="11%" align="center" | 1852-54, 1893 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="8%" bgcolor="# | | width="8%" bgcolor="#e7f8fe" align="left" | '''Statewide Registration''' | ||
| width="11%" align="center" | January 1906 | | width="11%" align="center" | January 1906 | ||
| width="10%" align="center" | None | | width="10%" align="center" | None | ||
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===Births=== | ===Births=== | ||
*'''1520-1999''' {{RecordSearch|4138679|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms, 1520-1999}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images | *'''1520-1999''' {{RecordSearch|4138679|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms, 1520-1999}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images | ||
*'''1675-1875''' {{FSC|555301|item|disp=Complete Name Index to ''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''}} at FamilySearch Catalog(*) microfilm 1597740 Item 6; {{WorldCat|866538853|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};<ref>The original collections may be viewed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, per [https://genpa.org/public-collections/surname-index-to-gsp-manuscripts-collections/ Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania | *'''1675-1875''' {{FSC|555301|item|disp=Complete Name Index to ''Early Pennsylvania Births, 1675-1875''}} at FamilySearch Catalog(*) microfilm 1597740 Item 6; {{WorldCat|866538853|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};<ref>The original collections may be viewed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, per [https://genpa.org/public-collections/surname-index-to-gsp-manuscripts-collections/ Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. Viewed 4/7/2025</ref> | ||
*'''1709-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681005|Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index | *'''1709-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681005|Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index | ||
*'''1791-1815''' {{FSC|271764|item|disp=Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images<ref>The originals are at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.</ref> | *'''1791-1815''' {{FSC|271764|item|disp=Old German Midwife's Records, 1791-1815}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images<ref>The originals are at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.</ref> | ||
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*'''1906-1971''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5164 Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-most currently released] at Ancestry — index & images ($) | *'''1906-1971''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5164 Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-most currently released] at Ancestry — index & images ($) | ||
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-deaths-and-burials Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Deaths & Burials] at Findmypast — index & images ($) | *[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-deaths-and-burials Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Deaths & Burials] at Findmypast — index & images ($) | ||
===Divorce=== | |||
*See [[Pennsylvania Divorce Records|Pennsylvania Divorce Records]] for more resources. | |||
==Print Publications== | ==Print Publications== | ||
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''Restrictions:''<br> | ''Restrictions:''<br> | ||
*Birth records 105 years and older are public records | *Birth records 105 years and older are public records | ||
*Death records 50 years and older are public records<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=years+of+laws+for+pennsylvania+vital+records+&sca_esv=dae00c36fa947bf4&sxsrf=AHTn8zq5xKgIGH2oEhlLokFlLyE_nOAljw%3A1742946092903&ei=LD_jZ-n1Nv65kPIP1NnjuA0&ved=0ahUKEwjpu-uVtKaMAxX-HEQIHdTsGNcQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=years+of+laws+for+pennsylvania+vital+records+&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLXllYXJzIG9mIGxhd3MgZm9yIHBlbm5zeWx2YW5pYSB2aXRhbCByZWNvcmRzIDIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRirAjIFECEYqwIyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwVI1YIBULYWWM11cAJ4AJABAJgBgQGgAdINqgEEMy4xM7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCEaACtA3CAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIECEYoAEYwwTCAgUQABjvBZgDAIgGAZAGBpIHBDQuMTOgB_ZVsgcEMi4xM7gHqg0&sclient=gws-wiz-serp '' | *Death records 50 years and older are public records<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=years+of+laws+for+pennsylvania+vital+records+&sca_esv=dae00c36fa947bf4&sxsrf=AHTn8zq5xKgIGH2oEhlLokFlLyE_nOAljw%3A1742946092903&ei=LD_jZ-n1Nv65kPIP1NnjuA0&ved=0ahUKEwjpu-uVtKaMAxX-HEQIHdTsGNcQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=years+of+laws+for+pennsylvania+vital+records+&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLXllYXJzIG9mIGxhd3MgZm9yIHBlbm5zeWx2YW5pYSB2aXRhbCByZWNvcmRzIDIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRirAjIFECEYqwIyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwVI1YIBULYWWM11cAJ4AJABAJgBgQGgAdINqgEEMy4xM7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCEaACtA3CAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIECEYoAEYwwTCAgUQABjvBZgDAIgGAZAGBpIHBDQuMTOgB_ZVsgcEMi4xM7gHqg0&sclient=gws-wiz-serp ''VITAL STATISTICS LAW OF 1953''] PA General Assembly. access March 25, 2025</ref> | ||
*Marriage records in Pennsylvania are public, though specific details like Social Security numbers are restricted from view<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=restrictions+for+ordering+marriage+records+in+pennsylvania&sca_esv=dae00c36fa947bf4&sxsrf=AHTn8zr7V6AgUnPVn_thaISpq0G5Xza_Aw%3A1742946448313&ei=kEDjZ-PsEtjKkPIP4_a52Qw&ved=0ahUKEwjj9Ke_taaMAxVYJUQIHWN7LssQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=restrictions+for+ordering+marriage+records+in+pennsylvania&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiOnJlc3RyaWN0aW9ucyBmb3Igb3JkZXJpbmcgbWFycmlhZ2UgcmVjb3JkcyBpbiBwZW5uc3lsdmFuaWEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYqwIyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FSKyFAlAAWMXxAXADeACQAQCYAesBoAGCLKoBBzEwLjQwLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAiqgAtsjwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICBxAAGIAEGA3CAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIECEYoAEYwwTCAggQABiABBiiBMICBRAAGO8FwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgQQIRgKmAMAkgcGMy4zOC4xoAfs9QGyBwYwLjM4LjG4B9Aj&sclient=gws-wiz-serp Google AI Overview] in response to query "restrictions for ordering marriage records in pennsylvania", accessed 25 March 2025</ref> | *Marriage records in Pennsylvania are public, though specific details like Social Security numbers are restricted from view<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=restrictions+for+ordering+marriage+records+in+pennsylvania&sca_esv=dae00c36fa947bf4&sxsrf=AHTn8zr7V6AgUnPVn_thaISpq0G5Xza_Aw%3A1742946448313&ei=kEDjZ-PsEtjKkPIP4_a52Qw&ved=0ahUKEwjj9Ke_taaMAxVYJUQIHWN7LssQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=restrictions+for+ordering+marriage+records+in+pennsylvania&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiOnJlc3RyaWN0aW9ucyBmb3Igb3JkZXJpbmcgbWFycmlhZ2UgcmVjb3JkcyBpbiBwZW5uc3lsdmFuaWEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYqwIyBRAhGJ8FMgUQIRifBTIFECEYnwUyBRAhGJ8FSKyFAlAAWMXxAXADeACQAQCYAesBoAGCLKoBBzEwLjQwLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAiqgAtsjwgIHECMYsAIYJ8ICBxAAGIAEGA3CAgoQIRigARjDBBgKwgIIECEYoAEYwwTCAggQABiABBiiBMICBRAAGO8FwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgQQIRgKmAMAkgcGMy4zOC4xoAfs9QGyBwYwLjM4LjG4B9Aj&sclient=gws-wiz-serp Google AI Overview] in response to query "restrictions for ordering marriage records in pennsylvania", accessed 25 March 2025</ref> | ||
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* [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/birth-certificates.html#accordion-8440e572be-item-b9ee96eaf3 ''Ordering A Birth Certificate''] 1906-present; slide to "Who Can Apply for a Birth Certificate" | * [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/birth-certificates.html#accordion-8440e572be-item-b9ee96eaf3 ''Ordering A Birth Certificate''] 1906-present; slide to "Who Can Apply for a Birth Certificate" | ||
* Genealogy requests: Requirements relaxed, must provide the person's proof of death | |||
* [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/death-certificates.html#accordion-9ca4d1fb9c-item-a2c0a81509 ''Ordering a Death Certificate''] 1906-present; slide to "Who Can Apply for a Death Certificate" | * [https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/death-certificates.html#accordion-9ca4d1fb9c-item-a2c0a81509 ''Ordering a Death Certificate''] 1906-present; slide to "Who Can Apply for a Death Certificate" | ||
* Links to order forms: [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/certificates-and-records/Application_for_a_Birth_Certificate.pdf Birth], [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/certificates-and-records/Application%20for%20a%20Death%20Certificate.pdf Death] | * Links to order forms: [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/certificates-and-records/Application_for_a_Birth_Certificate.pdf Birth], [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/certificates-and-records/Application%20for%20a%20Death%20Certificate.pdf Death] | ||
*[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/multi-year-searches.html Multi-Year Search Information] | |||
''Other walk-in locations include:''<br> | ''Other walk-in locations include:''<br> | ||
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*They have original birth certificates for 1906-1919 and death certificates for 1906-1974 <ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html ''Vital Records''] at Pennsylvania State Archives, accessed 22 March 2025</ref> | *They have original birth certificates for 1906-1919 and death certificates for 1906-1974 <ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html ''Vital Records''] at Pennsylvania State Archives, accessed 22 March 2025</ref> | ||
*They do not issue certified copies | |||
* Mail in request forms: [https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/phmc/documents/archives/documents/Pennsylvania-State-Archives-Vital-Records-Request-Form.pdf PDF form]; [https://paggdc.powerappsportals.us/NonCertifiedCopyOfBirthorDeathCertificatOrderForm/ Fill in online] | |||
'''County Courthouses'''<br> | '''County Courthouses'''<br> | ||
*Prior to 1906, Pennsylvania births and deaths were recorded only sporadically by the counties and some cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.<ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html ''Vital Statistics Records''] ibid.</ref> | *Prior to 1906, Pennsylvania births and deaths were recorded only sporadically by the counties and some cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.<ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html ''Vital Statistics Records''] ibid.</ref> | ||
*Births, marriages, and deaths were recorded by the Clerk of Orphans Court at each county courthouse.<ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission | *Births, marriages, and deaths were recorded by the Clerk of Orphans Court at each county courthouse.<ref>[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/research-online/vital-statistics-records.html Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, accessed 3/25/2025</ref><ref>[https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/5828/Marriage-Records ''Guide to Marriage Records''] by Chester County Archives, accessed 25 March, 2025</ref> | ||
*List of [https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/orphans-court-clerks County Orphans Court Clerks] | *List of [https://www.pacourts.us/courts/courts-of-common-pleas/orphans-court-clerks County Orphans Court Clerks] | ||
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*1893-1906 Much higher compliance, especially when midwives, doctors, or funeral homes were used | *1893-1906 Much higher compliance, especially when midwives, doctors, or funeral homes were used | ||
*1960-present General compliance by 1915 | *1960-present General compliance by 1915 | ||
*Births are collected by county clerk of the Orphans Court as reported by hospitals, midwives, birthing centers, parents, etc. | |||
*Death records are also collected by the county clerk of the Orphans Court as reported by funeral homes, medical examiners, physicians, hospitals, relatives, etc. | |||
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[[United_States_Birth_Records#Content_of_Birth_Records|Information in birth records]] can vary, depending upon the who made the report (midwife, doctor, parent, etc.). | [[United_States_Birth_Records#Content_of_Birth_Records|Information in birth records]] can vary, depending upon the who made the report (midwife, doctor, parent, etc.). | ||
*Births are collected by county clerk of the Orphans Court | |||
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''See also:''<br> | ''See also:''<br> | ||
*[[Pennsylvania Guided Research|Pennsylvania Guided Research]] | |||
*[[Pennsylvania Law and Legislation#Vital Records Laws|Pennsylvania Vital Records Laws]] | *[[Pennsylvania Law and Legislation#Vital Records Laws|Pennsylvania Vital Records Laws]] | ||
*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] | *[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] | ||
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==Strategies== | ==Strategies== | ||
*Certificate or record is not found: | *Certificate or record is not found: | ||
#Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped | #Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped | ||
#Search the towns and cities where the event took place. Also search surrounding counties to locate the document. | #Search the towns and cities where the event took place. Also search surrounding counties to locate the document. | ||
#The record may not exist because of record loss at the the county courthouse. See Burned, Lost, or Missing Records | #The record may not exist because of record loss at the the county courthouse. See [[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Burned, Lost, or Missing Records|Burned, Lost, or Missing Records]]. | ||
#The event may not have been recorded by the government at that time. | #The event may not have been recorded by the government at that time. [[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Substitute Records|Substitute Records]]. | ||
*Examine the record to determine accuracy: | *Examine the record to determine accuracy: | ||
#Person providing information may not remember events accurately | #Person providing information may not remember events accurately | ||
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*Review the informant on the document: | *Review the informant on the document: | ||
#Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record | #Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record | ||
#See if records about the informant may have clues | #See if records about the informant may have clues about the family | ||
# | #Verify vital information with other sources <br> | ||
<br> | |||
{{Block indent|''See also:''}} | |||
* [[Pennsylvania Research Tips and Strategies]] | |||
* [[United States Basic Search Strategies]] | |||
* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]] | |||
===Burned, Lost, or Missing Records=== | |||
The following counties had record loss. Click on the county for more information.<br> | The following counties had record loss. Click on the county for more information.<br> | ||
{| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;" | {| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;" | ||
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*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research]] for strategies to find ancestors in spite of record loss. | *[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research]] for strategies to find ancestors in spite of record loss. | ||
<br> | |||
===Substitute Records=== | |||
For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see: | For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see: | ||
*[[Pennsylvania_Substitute Records|Pennsylvania Substitute Records]] | *[[Pennsylvania_Substitute Records|Pennsylvania Substitute Records]] | ||
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