Pennsylvania Family History Records

Pennsylvania’s rich history, diverse cultural influences, and extensive archives make it an exciting state in which to delve into family history. Whether you’re just starting out or have been building your family tree for years, the Keystone State offers a broad spectrum of genealogical resources. This “how to” guide will walk you through the key strategies, record types, and research locations to uncover your Pennsylvania ancestors’ stories.

Research your ancestors on MyHeritage

Explore Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)Explore Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death)

Statewide registration of births and deaths in Pennsylvania commenced in 1906, while the recording of marriages remains under the jurisdiction of individual counties. Major cities, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, and Scranton, began maintaining vital records as early as the 1860s and 1870s. Marriage licenses have been systematically recorded by all counties since 1885. The original records are housed in various locations depending on the city, including municipal archives, health departments, and courthouses.

Access to birth records is subject to stricter restrictions compared to death records. Pennsylvania birth certificates from 1906 to 1911 and death certificates from 1906 to 1967 are available for research online. The original records for these years are preserved at the Pennsylvania State Archives. Detailed guidance for searching these indices can be found on the Archives' Research Online page.

Birth RecordsBirth Records

Between 1852 and 1855, Pennsylvania counties were directed by law to record births within their jurisdictions, though few complied. In 1893, the state again required counties to maintain birth records, prompting a much higher rate of compliance. This county-based system remained in effect until 1906, when Pennsylvania began recording births at the state level.

For genealogists seeking proof of an ancestor’s birth, a death record can serve as a useful substitute. However, the birth information on a death certificate is considered secondary evidence, as it was not documented at the time of the actual birth. To ensure accuracy, researchers should corroborate any birth details found on a death record with additional substitutes, such as church registers, newspaper announcements, or other contemporaneous sources.

Availability: Statewide registration began in 1906, although some counties kept records as early as 1893.
Where to Find:
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
- Online databases for older records
Tip: If your ancestor was born before 1906, check county courthouse records or city health department records (especially for larger cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh).

Marriage RecordsMarriage Records

Availability: Counties typically have marriage records dating from the early to mid-1800s.
Where to Find:
- County courthouses (Clerk of Orphans’ Court or Register of Wills office)
- Online databases (varies by county)
Tip: Look for marriage applications in addition to marriage certificates; they often list parents’ names and where the couple lived.

Death RecordsDeath Records

Statewide registration for Pennsylvania deaths began in 1906. Prior to the state keeping death records counties kept death records beginning in 1893. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information.

Availability: Statewide registrations began in 1906; counties or cities may have earlier records.
Where to Find:
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
- Online databases and newspapers
Tip: Death certificates frequently include parents’ names, birth date, occupation, and burial location—valuable leads for further research.

Check Census RecordsCheck Census Records

Census records track population and household data, providing snapshots of your family every ten years.

Federal CensusFederal Census

Availability: Pennsylvania residents appear in every U.S. Federal Census from 1790 to 1950 (the most recent census publicly accessible at this time).
Where to Find:
- Online subscription sites: MyHeritage
- Free sites: FamilySearch, National Archives (digitized collections)
Tip: Pay attention to neighbors with the same surname—these individuals could be extended family.

State or Non-Population SchedulesState or Non-Population Schedules

Pennsylvania did NOT conduct a state census similar to neighboring states New York and New Jersey.

Agricultural Census: May show farm details and land ownership.
Mortality Schedules (1850–1880): Lists individuals who died during the census year.
Tip: Non-population schedules can offer context about your ancestor’s occupation, property, or community.

Delve into County and Municipal RecordsDelve into County and Municipal Records

County courthouses and local repositories in Pennsylvania are treasure troves of historical documents.

Land and Property RecordsLand and Property Records

What They Contain: Deeds, mortgages, plats, and grants can reveal family relationships, land inheritance, and migration patterns.
Where to Find: County Recorder of Deeds office or online county archives.
Tip: Even if your ancestor was a tenant, they might have witnessed a deed or appear in landlord-tenant records.

Probate and WillsProbate and Wills

What They Contain: Wills, estate inventories, and guardianship papers often detail the deceased’s family.
Where to Find: Register of Wills at the county courthouse; some records are available online.
Tip: Look for the names of executors or witnesses, who may be relatives.

Court RecordsCourt Records

What They Contain: Lawsuits, judgments, divorce decrees, naturalization papers, and more can shed light on an ancestor’s life events.
Where to Find: County Prothonotary (civil records) or Clerk of Courts (criminal records).
Tip: Naturalization records in county courts might reveal immigration dates, ship names, and home towns abroad.

Investigate Church and Religious RecordsInvestigate Church and Religious Records

Pennsylvania’s religious heritage—encompassing Quakers, German Reformed, Mennonites, Lutherans, Catholics, and more—provides extensive church records.

What Church Records ContainWhat Church Records Contain

Baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, membership rolls, and sometimes family registers.
Tip: These records are often in German or Latin for older congregations; consider working with a translator or translation tools.

Where to Find ThemWhere to Find Them

Local Churches: Some keep well-preserved historical registers.
Denominational Archives: For example, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Archives or local diocese archives for Catholic records.
Online Resources: Some church records have been digitized and indexed online.

Quaker RecordsQuaker Records

Pennsylvania was a Quaker stronghold in the colonial era.
Tip: Meeting minutes often document births, marriages (with both sets of parents), and disownments or migrations.

Utilize Newspaper ArchivesUtilize Newspaper Archives

Newspapers are an invaluable source for obituaries, marriage announcements, local news, and even personal advertisements.

Where to SearchWhere to Search

Online Databases: Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
Local Historical Societies and Libraries: Many maintain newspaper clippings or microfilm.

What to Look ForWhat to Look For

Obituaries: Often include birthplaces, maiden names, surviving relatives, and funeral details.
Announcements: Engagements, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and business ventures.
Local News & Gossip Columns: Can provide insight into day-to-day life events, religious activities, and community involvement.

Examine Military RecordsExamine Military Records

Pennsylvania played a significant role in multiple U.S. conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond.

Revolutionary War & Civil War RecordsRevolutionary War & Civil War Records

Where to Find:
- Fold3 (military record database)
- National Archives (pension files, service records)
- Pennsylvania State Archives (muster rolls, claims)
Tip: Pension applications often have extensive personal details, such as statements of service, family members, and neighbors’ affidavits.

Draft Registration & Enlistment RecordsDraft Registration & Enlistment Records

What They Contain: Age, occupation, physical description, next of kin, and address.
Where to Find: National Archives, local courthouses, and online genealogy databases.

Local Militia and Service OrganizationsLocal Militia and Service Organizations

What They Contain: Rosters, meeting minutes, and membership applications (e.g., Grand Army of the Republic for Civil War veterans).
Tip: Service organization records sometimes include photos and personal stories.

Visit Archives, Libraries, and Historical SocietiesVisit Archives, Libraries, and Historical Societies

Pennsylvania’s numerous repositories can provide in-depth research support and access to unique collections.

Pennsylvania State Archives (Harrisburg)Pennsylvania State Archives (Harrisburg)

Houses land records, colonial records, military records, and much more.
Tip: Check the online finding aids before you visit to plan your research.

Pennsylvania State Library (Harrisburg)Pennsylvania State Library (Harrisburg)

Large genealogical section includes county histories, newspapers, and rare books.
Tip: Look for surname files or vertical files compiled by librarians and fellow researchers.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Free Library of PhiladelphiaCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Free Library of Philadelphia

Each contains robust local history and genealogy departments.
Tip: Large city libraries often have extensive newspaper archives and historical maps.

Local Historical SocietiesLocal Historical Societies

Often hold unique manuscripts, diaries, ledgers, and family Bibles.
Tip: Some have volunteers who specialize in local genealogy and can offer valuable guidance.

University Special CollectionsUniversity Special Collections

Universities like the University of Pennsylvania or Penn State may have archives on regional families and organizations.
Tip: Review the university’s website to check if their special collections focus on your ancestor’s time period or region.

Research Ethnic and Immigrant CommunitiesResearch Ethnic and Immigrant Communities

Pennsylvania has a long history of diverse immigrant groups, each leaving unique records.

Pennsylvania Dutch (German) HeritagePennsylvania Dutch (German) Heritage

Look for German church records, local publications, and genealogical societies focusing on Pennsylvania Germans.
Tip: Early records may be in old German script—seek help from translators or specialized reference works.

Scots-Irish and Irish ImmigrantsScots-Irish and Irish Immigrants

Check Presbyterian or other Protestant church records for Scots-Irish ancestors.
Explore local immigration societies or historical societies in regions known for Irish settlement, such as Philadelphia.

Italian, Polish, Eastern European CommunitiesItalian, Polish, Eastern European Communities

Investigate Catholic parish records, fraternal organizations, and ethnic newspapers, which sometimes publish records in the native language.
Tip: Focus on neighborhoods with documented immigrant enclaves.

African American GenealogyAfrican American Genealogy

Seek out Freedmen’s Bureau records and local African American church records.
Pennsylvania’s strong abolitionist history means that anti-slavery society records, African American newspapers, and manumission documents may be available

Plan a Research Trip to PennsylvaniaPlan a Research Trip to Pennsylvania

If your ancestors lived in Pennsylvania for a significant period, an in-person research trip can be invaluable.

Map Your Ancestor’s MovementsMap Your Ancestor’s Movements

Identify key counties, cities, or townships to narrow down your visit locations.

Contact Repositories in AdvanceContact Repositories in Advance

Check archive and library hours, schedule appointments, and reserve time with local genealogists if possible.

Visit Local Landmarks and CemeteriesVisit Local Landmarks and Cemeteries

Walk through cemeteries where your ancestors might be buried, visit churches they attended, and explore their neighborhoods.

ConclusionConclusion

Pennsylvania’s wide variety of records, from colonial land deeds to modern day obituaries, makes it a robust place to search for your ancestors’ stories. By following these step-by-step strategies—beginning with what you know, digging into county and state archives, exploring church and military records, and leveraging online databases—you’ll be well on your way to building a comprehensive and accurate family history.

Explore more about Pennsylvania family history recordsExplore more about Pennsylvania family history records

Atlas of Historical County Boundaries Project - Pennsylvania - The Newberry Library
Chronicling America – Pennsylvania Newspapers - Library of Congress
Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania - Cyndi's List
Pennsylvania Gen Web Your gateway to Pennsylvania
State Library of Pennsylvania - Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Archives
USGenWeb Archives Project - Pennsylvania
Vital Records Department of Health - Commonwealth of Pennsylvania