Records Available

County departmental offices such as the Recorder of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, Register of Wills, and the Prothonotary represent the originating office for a variety of historical records now maintained within the archives.  For recent records concerning property, criminal records, probate, or civil suit please contact the above County office first.  The principal record series within the archives include land, birth, marriage, and death records but researchers should consult the inventory for a more comprehensive listing of potential historical sources.

Archives Inventory Click here to find out what records are available.

Land Records Deeds were recorded beginning on May 10, 1729 when the County was first formed.  Digital images of all historical deeds back to 1729 are available through the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds.  Researchers should contact the archives first to find references available within the indices.  Early land warrants, surveys, and patents are kept at the Pennsylvania State Archives.

Birth Records

§  Prior to 1906 birth records were a requirement for only a small range of years. 

§  Birth Registrations (1852-1855, 1894-1907) 

§  Birth Registrations (1881-1906) Lancaster City only

§  Delayed Birth Certificates:  For individuals born c.1870-1906

§  Contact the Pennsylvania State Department of Vital Records for all births beginning in 1906

Marriage Records

§  Marriage Registrations (1852-1855)

§  Marriage License Applications (1885-1998) (may also include consents & duplicate returns)

§  An online index of marriages beginning 1948 is available through the Register of Wills

Death Records

§  Wills begin in 1730

§  Intestate Records (1753-1970) also known as Bond Books or Letters of Administration

§  Death Registrations (1852-1855) (1894-1907)

§  Death Affidavits (1872-1978)

§  Estate Files (begin 1902) may also contain wills, inventory and accounts; An online index of estates beginning 1933 is available through the Register of Wills

§  Inventory Indices (1729-1926)

§  Account Indices (1729-1934)

§  Inventories (1861-1962) and Accounts (1850-1962)

§  Original Account Records (1776-1901) and Inventory records (1729-1913) are kept at Lancaster’s Historical Society

§  Veteran Burial Records (1885-1998) may also provide death related information

§  Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records for all deaths beginning in 1906.