Chemung County Genealogy Records

Chemung County genealogy research begins with records dating to 1836, when the county was formed from Tioga County. The county seat of Elmira holds the main offices and collections for family history work. One challenge sets Chemung County apart from its neighbors: the 1972 flood caused by Hurricane Agnes damaged some county records. Researchers should be aware that gaps exist in certain record series because of this event. Despite that, the county clerk, historical society, surrogate's court, and Steele Memorial Library all hold substantial collections for tracing families in the southern tier of New York.

Chemung County Clerk Records

The Chemung County Clerk at 210 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901 maintains land records from 1836 to present. Court records from the same year include Supreme Court and County Court cases. The office holds marriage records from 1908 to 1935, naturalization records, and New York State Census records for 1855 through 1925. Land records are indexed by grantor and grantee. An online search is available.

Copy fees are $0.65 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 each. Payment is by cash, check, or money order. Call (607) 737-2920 for questions. Under County Law Section 525, the clerk serves as the official keeper of land and court records. Chemung County experienced significant flood damage in 1972, which affected some records. If you can't find what you need at the clerk's office, it may have been lost in the flood. In that case, try other sources like the historical society or state archives for backup copies.

Chemung County Historical Society

The Chemung County Historical Society at 415 East Water Street, Elmira, NY 14901 maintains extensive genealogy collections. These include family papers, photographs, maps, local histories, and the Steele Memorial Library local history collection. The society provides research services for a fee. Call (607) 734-4167 to ask about access and current pricing.

The research room is open to visitors. Collections are organized and cataloged. This is one of the best places for Chemung County genealogy research beyond official records. If the 1972 flood destroyed a county record you need, the historical society may have a copy or a related document that fills the gap. Family papers donated by local families sometimes contain letters, diaries, and photographs that no government office would ever hold.

Genealogy Collections in Chemung County

The New York State Archives holds genealogy resources that cover Chemung County and all 62 counties across the state.

The state archives has vital records indexes on microfiche, military records, land records, and court documents that supplement what the local offices hold in Elmira.

For Chemung County specifically, the archives may hold copies of records that were damaged or lost in the 1972 flood. The state census records for Chemung County cover 1855, 1865, 1875, 1892, 1905, 1915, and 1925. These are separate from the federal census and often include details like birthplace and occupation. Under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law Section 57.05, the State Archives acquires and preserves official records from across New York.

Steele Memorial Library Resources

The Steele Memorial Library at 101 East Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901 is one of the official repositories for New York State Vital Records Index microfiche. This is a big deal for genealogy researchers. The library maintains local history and genealogy collections including census records, city directories, newspapers on microfilm, and Chemung County histories. Call (607) 733-8603 for hours.

Having the vital records indexes right here in Elmira saves you a trip to Albany or Buffalo. You can search the birth, marriage, and death indexes for all of New York State outside New York City. Birth indexes go through 1937. Death and marriage indexes are released after 50 years. Once you find an index entry, you can submit a request to the NYS Department of Health or the local registrar for a copy of the actual certificate. Microfilm readers are available for census records and newspapers as well.

Note: The vital records microfiche can only be used on site and may not be copied or photographed.

Probate Records in Chemung County

The Chemung County Surrogate's Court at 224 Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901 holds probate records from 1836 to the present. Wills, estate files, and guardianship records are all here. Records are indexed by the name of the deceased. Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, each county surrogate's court in New York proves wills and handles estate settlements.

Send a written request by mail with the name and date of death. Email requests are not accepted. Search fees and copy fees apply. Call (607) 737-2790 for the current schedule. Probate records list heirs and their addresses, making them valuable for tracing family connections across state lines.

Vital Records for Chemung County

The NYS Department of Health has Chemung County vital records from 1881 onward. Coverage was spotty until about 1913. Birth certificates open after 75 years if the person is dead. Death records need 50 years. Marriage records need 50 years and proof that both spouses have died. Fees start at $22 for a three-year search.

Direct descendants can request genealogy copies under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174. They must provide proof of relationship and proof of death. For faster results, contact the local registrar in the town or city where the event took place rather than going through the state. Processing at the state level takes eight months or more.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Chemung County with genealogy records to search.