Research

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.

Research Tips introduce some of the most informative collections in the New York State Archives and guides visitors through their use. Each tip includes a brief description of records pertaining to a particular topic and clear and concise instructions on how to use the records to get information.

Many of the record series in the State Archives are available in microfilm format and may be requested through Inter-Library Loan. Finding aids are available for frequently requested records available on microfilm through Inter-Library, and are listed below.

Location

The New York State Archives research room is in Albany, New York. The research room is located on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center at the south end of the Empire State Plaza, across Madison Avenue (Route 20) from the Plaza and joined to it by a bridge over Madison Avenue. The New York State Museum and the New York State Library are also in the Cultural Education Center.

Introduction

The New York State Archives provides access to its records in compliance with state and federal statutes, in a manner that is as open and timely as reasonably possible. This statement of policies and procedures is intended to inform researchers and the general public about the laws and regulations pertaining to access to records in the State Archives, about legal and other restrictions on access to some of those records, and about procedures for requesting access to restricted records.