Genealogy Research: Historical Indexes

Searching historical government records begins with finding the right index.  Historical indexes are the finding aid to thousands of records within the Lancaster County Archives.   Many of our indexes were originally kept by courthouse clerks over a century ago.  When searching indexes, always be open to surname spelling variations as names were often recorded simply by how they were interpreted by courthouse clerks.  Discover history on your own by searching our online historical indexes on the left menu!    

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Genealogy Records Quick Guide

  1. Genealogy Records Quick Guide 2019
Deed and Property Research 

Deeds were recorded beginning on May 10, 1729 when the County was first formed.  Deeds are excellent sources for locating an individual at a specific point and place in time.  They are also vital links in researching the history of an old home.

Digital images of all historical deeds and indexes since 1729 are available through the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds:
Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds   

Select "Search Public Records" and choose one of the following:

Online IQS Infodex:  "Search by Name" (Deed Index 1729-1981) or view deed images by typing in a deed reference on the "Go to Document" tab.      

Records Search (Deeds 1981-present)