How to Find Connecticut Death Records
How to Find United States Deaths 
Connecticut Deaths
Death records in Connecticut were kept by the towns from the beginning of each town starting in the early 1600s. Statewide registration of deaths began in 1897 in Connecticut and was generally complied with by 1915. The towns continue to record deaths.
Next Step: When did the death occur? |
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Deaths before 1897
The state of Connecticut started keeping death records in 1897. Before that time, town clerks kept death records. The clerks recorded the deaths in town records and/or in land records.
Step 1 - Check indexes
Most online resources for Connecticut Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to confirm the information in the index.
- Barbour Collection by Jane Devlin, hosted by Rootsweb - Free (see also the Wiki article Barbour Collection)
- Connecticut Databases listed on Rootsweb.com- Free
- Connecticut Collections on FamilySearch.org - Free. This is a growing database.
- Online Connecticut Death Indexes and Records - Free
Two film indexes are:
- Bowman Collection. This is a card index to Connecticut vital records in Massachusetts, 1800 to 1900. FHL films 002884-885.
Index to the Connecticut Historical Society Bulletin, Vols 1-8.This is an index at the Connecticut State Library and is on microfilm at the Family History Library. FHL film 002886. It indexes the names found in the Connecticut Historical Society Bulletin. FHL book 974.6 H25c.
Step 2 - Check original records
Step 3 - Check other types of records
You can also search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.
| Records that give death information: | ||
Deaths from 1853 thru 1916
In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia. In 1853, Virginia law required counties to record deaths, although records are incomplete.
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below try searching for death information in other records.
For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.
| West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of county coverage (right side of the screen) | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of county coverage (right side of the screen); click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image | |||
| Next try: | ||||
| Includes Index Only | ||||
| Choose one of the following: | ||||
| 1853-1973 - use at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | |||
| 1853-1973 - use your Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free | |||
| Can't search the index listed above? | Try searching other records for death information. | |||
| Can't find your ancestor in the index? | Tips for searching indexes | |||
| No death record for your ancestor? | Other records with death information | |||
Deaths after 1897
State Records
State registration of vital statistics began in 1897 and was generally complied with by 1915. For copies of state records, you can contact:
Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
410 Capitol Avenue, 1st Floor
Hartford, CT 06134
Telephone: 860-509-7700
Mailing Address:
CT Department of Public Health State Office of Vital Records 410 Capitol Ave. MS#11VRS P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Their Web site gives complete information for ordering births, marriages, and deaths. There is also a link to the town Web sites for information in ordering town vital records.
To find current fees, any restrictions, and where to write:
- CDC.gov, Where to Write for Vital Records, Connecticut has information for births, deaths, marriages, and adoptions.
- VitalRec.com ($). Select a state to see the fees for birth, marriages, and deaths. There is also a link for divorces and adoptions.
Town Death Records
Towns have kept death records from the beginning of each town and continue to keep these records. The towns send copies of the records to the state Department of Public Health (see above). People can also access the records at the town halls.