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Vital records, as their name suggests,
are connected with central life events: birth, marriage, and death.
Maintained by civil authorities, they are prime sources of
genealogical information; but, unfortunately, official vital records
are available only for relatively recent periods. These records,
despite their recent creation in the United States, are critically
important in genealogical research, often supplying details on
family members well back into the nineteenth century.
The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy, by
Loretto Szucs and Sandra Luebking. When did the state start collecting vital records?
Central registration of marriages
and divorces began in Kentucky in June 1958. The Office of
Vital Statistics has no records of marriages and divorces
prior to that date. Copies of marriage certificates prior
to June 1958 may be obtained from the County Clerk in the
county where the license was issued. Records of divorce
proceedings are available from the Clerk of the Circuit
Court that granted the decree.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, P.O. Box 537, 300 Coffee Tree Road. Frankfort, Kentucky 40602, (5O2) 564-8300, has birth and death records for the cities of Louisville, Lexington, Covington, and Newport, which were established under city ordinance prior to 1911. How do I request a vital record?
Where can I find other historical information? The Vital Statistics Law of Kentucky, providing for and legalizing the registration of births and deaths, was enacted by the General Assembly of 1910, and became effective January 1, 1911. The Office of Vital Statistics has no records of births and deaths occurring prior to the above date except delayed records of births for persons born before 1911, which have been established by affidavits and documentary evidence. Central registration of marriages and divorces began in Kentucky in June 1958. The Office of Vital Statistics has no records of marriages and divorces prior to that date. Copies of marriage certificates prior to June 1958 may be obtained from the County Clerk in the county where the license was issued. Records of divorce proceedings are available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court that granted the decree. For other historical information you may want to contact the Kentucky Division of Archives and History. The Archives maintains a large public collection of historical records plus a library of genealogical histories. Where are vital records offices located? Vital Statistics is located on the first floor in the main lobby of the former Cabinet for Human Resources Building (CHR). Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street - 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621 How are vital records processed? You can purchase a certificate on the Internet, by phone, by mail, or by visiting the office. Services and activities of the vital records office Several services and activities are offered by vital records state and county office staff to the public and other agencies. For information on other states laws and policies see AccessGenealogy's Vital Records for United States Vital Records. Each of the 159 county vital records offices is authorized to prepare certified copies of birth and death certificates for vital events that occurred in their specific county. However, not all of these locations initiate filing delayed certificates of birth or begin the process to amend a vital record. Additional Kentucky Marriage Records:
Bourbon County, Kentucky Marriage Records, 1786-1800
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