We should probably start with, “What are vital records?” As they relate to family history, vital records tell the vital detail of one’s life: birth, marriage, divorce, and death.
How do you find vital records for your ancestors? Access to vital records in the US depends on which state their in. There are different rules for every state, and each state started keeping these records at different times. In other words, you are looking at relearning the process with every new state you go into.
These records are usually kept under wraps for a while for privacy purposes. Death records, for instance, are typically closed for about 50 years. Birth records can be sealed for around 75 to 100 years. Of course, the time depends on the state in which you’re searching. If you really need to get records for your Uncle Leroy who died only 25 years ago, sometimes the states will grant special access.
Sometimes in states that are latecomers to the whole record-keeping thing, counties have been on the ball for decades or even centuries before. This means you’ll want to check the county if you can’t find it at the state level.
So good luck with your record-searching efforts! It’s not easy- but the rewards can be astounding.
Tags: family, Family History, family tree, genealogy, history, vital records
