[Genealib] State Death Indexes

[Larry Naukam]

New York State has a statewide index EXCLUSIVE of New York City (which is
available elsewhere), covering 1880-1957 (marriages and deaths), 1881-1932
(births). It is on about 5000 microfiche, and must be used under secure
conditions which are tested undercover several times a year. It cannot be
put online, nor may copies be made from it save by hand writing it out,

>From our library web site (http://www2.libraryweb.org/orgMain.asp?orgid=149)

NYS Vital Records

The New York State Vital Records Index is a comprehensive list of births,
marriages, and deaths in New York State. The Department of Health started
maintaining records in 1880. Because compliance with the law was not
strictly enforced until 1915, a lot of events prior to that year were never
recorded. In 2000, the Rochester Public Library became the first public
library in New York to hold a copy of the Vital Records Index. The index is
located in the Retrieval Room on the first floor of the Rundel Building of
the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County in downtown Rochester.

New York City has always maintained its own information. The cities of
Buffalo, Albany, and Yonkers maintained their own data until 1915. For
information from these cities prior to 1915, you will need to contact each
city directly. Confidentiality laws are strictly enforced, prohibiting the
release of records more recent than 50 years for marriages and deaths and 75
years for births. The New York State Department of Health releases another
year of data each year.

More detailed information surrounding the event is available on the official
birth, death, or marriage certificate. These official records can be ordered
from Albany or the local registrar. If the life event was recorded in New
York State, the index will list the person's name, the place where the event
occurred, the date it took place, and the file number assigned by the
Department of Health in Albany. The Vital Records Index is available at the
following places:

    * New York State Archives
      Albany, New York
       
    * Rochester Public Library
      Rochester, New York

    * Onondaga Public Library
      Syracuse, New York

    * Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
      Buffalo, New York

See The New York State Department of Health website for more information.
(There are a few more libraries which hold it now, under the same
restrictions)