Resources

Discover 10 Substitutes for Vital Records in Pennsylvania

Discover alternative sources for vital records in Pennsylvania. From funeral home records to church baptisms, burial records, probate records, and more, explore methods for finding birth, marriage, and death dates of ancestors when official vital records are unavailable.

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Updates from the Pennsylvania State Archives

Ongoing updates on the construction of the new Pennsylvania State Archives building in Harrisburg, PA and new ways to access genealogy records.

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Discover Your Ancestors Pilot Workshop Slides

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Creating Your Own Data Sets from FamilySearch

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Collected Resources for Surnames, Nicknames, and Name Spelling Variations

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My Favorite Genealogy Research Logs with Links

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Best Practices to Resolve Name and Date Conflicts in Genealogy Research

Discover effective ways to handle conflicting data in genealogy research and learn how to develop your own methods when faced with misspelled names and date discrepancies.

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Using PHMC Historical Markers for Genealogy Research

The history of the PHMC marker program and the importance of these markers for genealogy research in Pennsylvania.

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Studying Historical ICD Codes to Deepen Genealogy Research

Learning the meaning behind the ICD code on an ancestors' death certificate can unlock new meaning and context for their death. Here's how to find historical ICD codes for genealogy research.

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Deep Dive on Private Laws and Why They Matter

Resources Featured

Essential Guide to Vital Records Research in Pennsylvania

Discover the significance of vital records in Pennsylvania and learn effective strategies for utilizing them in your genealogy research.

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The County Tax Collector in Pennsylvania

Probably the least favorite office for our ancestors - the tax collector! Taxes were collected for various things over the decades, and you can learn all about it in these videos.

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Introduction to County Courthouse Research

Pennsylvania's county courthouses hold the majority of the records of your ancestors. Learn how county courthouses are organized and why these records matter for genealogy research.

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The Recorder of Deeds Office in Pennsylvania

An overview of the Recorder of Deeds office in Pennsylvania and the records helpful for genealogy research.

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The Orphans Court in Pennsylvania

Explore historical estate records, probate files, minute books, marriage licenses, and guardianships at the Orphans Court.

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Collected Notes on Census Records

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prothonotary

The Prothonotary Office in Pennsylvania

One of the fascinating ways to peek into our ancestors' everyday lives is through the records held at the Prothonotary's office.The five videos below cover the history of the Prothonotary in Pennsylvania and the records you will find there.

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probate

The Register of Wills Office in Pennsylvania

This five-part video series walks you through the records available at the Register of Wills office in county courthouses in Pennsylvania. Learn how to search and obtain copies of wills and probate records for genealogy research.

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The Coroner's Office in Pennsylvania

Explore the role of the coroner in Pennsylvania from its inception with Research County Courthouses. Discover how this historical occupation impacts today's investigations of unexpected or suspicious deaths.

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The Sheriff's Office in Pennsylvania

Discover hidden genealogical clues in historical sheriff's records. Not available online, these records offer insights into your ancestors' legal history and non-payment of taxes. Explore in-person or hire a researcher.

Resources

The Labor of Your Ancestors

Your Pennsylvania ancestors worked in Lumber, Coal Mining, Oil Drilling, Steel Manufacturing, Textile Production, Tanning Leather, Consumer Products, and Agriculture.

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Where to Find Property Deeds in Pennsylvania for Family History Research

In Pennsylvania both land and property transfers are recorded at Recorder of Deeds offices around the Commonwealth. This article will give you tips on how to locate land deeds and property deeds at the Recorder of Deeds office.

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Deep Dive: Tips & Tricks Researching on Ancestry & FamilySearch

Podcast

Podcast Episode 80: The Pennsylvania Dutch Language with Mark Louden

Learn about what differentiates the Pennsylvania Dutch language from its German cousins. And why PA Dutch is truly an American language.

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Deep Dive: Using Notion to Plan a Research Trip