APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 2009-05 > 1242950664


From: Beth Gay <>
Subject: [APG] Connecticut State Vital Records Access by State ApprovedGenealogical Societies
Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 19:04:24 -0500


While searching for research tips in Norwich, Connecticut, I discovered
that one can access public vital records in Connecticut that are not
available to the general public. Evidently if you are a member of a
genealogical society sanctioned by the Secretary of State; one has
permission to access vital records normally denied to the general public.

Details:
> *Sec. 7-51a. Copies of vital records. Access to vital records by
> members of genealogical societies. Marriage licenses. Death
> certificates. Issuance of certified copies of electronically filed
> certificates.* (a) Any person eighteen years of age or older may
> purchase certified copies of marriage and death records, and certified
> copies of records of births or fetal deaths which are at least one
> hundred years old, in the custody of any registrar of vital
> statistics. The department may issue uncertified copies of death
> certificates for deaths occurring less than one hundred years ago, and
> uncertified copies of birth, marriage, death and fetal death
> certificates for births, marriages, deaths and fetal deaths that
> occurred at least one hundred years ago, to researchers approved by
> the department pursuant to section 19a-25, and to state and federal
> agencies approved by the department. During all normal business hours,
> members of genealogical societies incorporated or authorized by the
> Secretary of the State to do business or conduct affairs in this state
> shall (1) have full access to all vital records in the custody of any
> registrar of vital statistics, including certificates, ledgers, record
> books, card files, indexes and database printouts, except confidential
> files on adoptions, gender change, gestational agreements and
> paternity, (2) be permitted to make notes from such records, (3) be
> permitted to purchase certified copies of such records, and (4) be
> permitted to incorporate statistics derived from such records in the
> publications of such genealogical societies.
>
Are there other states that provide similar access?

Warmest regards,
Beth Gay
Auburn AL

This thread: