Researchers can determine if the New York State Department of Health (DOH) holds vital records of interest by using the vital records microfiche index. The index is arranged by vital event, then by year, and then by surname. Birth certificates (1881-1935), marriage certificates (1881-1960) and death certificates (1880-1960) are indexed.
The index contains basic information including name of person, date and location of event, and certificate number assigned by the Department of Health.