Find Orange County Genealogy Records

Orange County genealogy records stretch back to 1683, when this was one of the original counties established in the colony of New York. That gives researchers more than 340 years of documents to work through. The county seat is Goshen, where the county clerk, surrogate's court, county historian, and historical society all maintain records useful for tracing family lines. From colonial-era land patents to 20th-century marriage licenses, Orange County holds some of the oldest and deepest genealogy records in the state. This page walks through the main sources and how to access them.

Orange County Clerk Records

The Orange County Clerk holds land records from 1683 to the present. These are some of the earliest records in all of New York State for an original county. Court records start the same year. The office also has naturalization records, marriage records from 1908 to 1935, and New York State Census records for multiple years.

State census records on file cover 1825, 1835, 1845, 1855, 1865, 1875, 1915, and 1925. The 1892 and 1905 census records for Orange County are lost. This is an important detail because those two census years are often key for tracking families during the immigration boom of the late 1800s. The clerk's office is at 255 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924. Phone is (845) 291-2690. Standard copy fees are $0.65 per page with $5.00 for certified documents.

Orange County's colonial land records are especially valuable for genealogy. Early deeds and patents can trace property ownership back to the 1600s and often name family members, neighbors, and boundary markers that help piece together a family's story.

Note: Marriage records from after 1935 are held by town and city clerks where the marriage took place.

Orange County Probate Records

The Orange County Surrogate's Court keeps probate records from the 1700s to the present. Wills, estate files, letters of administration, and guardianship documents are all available. These records can name family members, describe property, and show how wealth passed from one generation to the next.

The court is at 30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924. Call (845) 476-3655. Written requests by mail are the standard way to get copies. Include the decedent's full name and approximate date of death. Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, these files are public records. The Estates, Powers and Trust Law governs wills, intestate succession, and trust administration in New York. If someone died without a will, the court appointed an administrator and distributed property to heirs under state law.

Orange County Historian and Archives

The Orange County Historian maintains historical records, archives, and can help with genealogy research guidance. The office is at 101 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924. Phone is (845) 360-6978. The historian can point you to the right records and collections but does not typically conduct detailed research on your behalf.

The Orange County Archives and Historian website provides information on available collections and how to make a research inquiry.

The archives hold documents that go well beyond what the clerk and court maintain, including family papers, maps, and local government records.

Orange County Historical Society

The Orange County Historical Society has its own collection of historical materials and research resources. The society is at 21 Clove Furnace Drive, Arden, NY 10910. Phone is (845) 351-4696. Their holdings include genealogy files, local histories, and community records that can add depth to what you find in the official county records.

The Orange County Historical Society website has more on their collections and programs.

Membership may provide additional access to research materials and archives.

State Resources for Orange County Genealogy

The New York State Archives in Albany holds statewide vital records indexes covering Orange County. Birth indexes are released after 75 years. Death and marriage indexes open after 50 years. Under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174, genealogy copies of vital records follow these time rules. Direct-line descendants can sometimes get records sooner with proof of relationship and proof of death.

FamilySearch has microfilmed many Orange County records including probate files and land records. Access is free with a free account. New York residents can also view colonial wills and state census data through Ancestry.com at ancestry.com/ny/ at no cost.

Census and Naturalization Records for Orange County Genealogy

Federal census records for Orange County start in 1790 and run through 1950 (the 1890 count was lost in a fire). These are free on FamilySearch and through Ancestry. New York State Census records add more data points. Orange County has state census records for 1825, 1835, 1845, 1855, 1865, 1875, 1915, and 1925. The 1892 and 1905 state censuses are lost for this county. Keep that gap in mind when planning your research.

Naturalization records at the county clerk can trace immigrant ancestors who settled in the Hudson Valley. Before 1906, various courts handled citizenship. After 1906, the federal government took over, but county courts still processed many cases. These records show country of origin, date of arrival, and often name a spouse and children. If your ancestor came through New York Harbor and moved up the Hudson, Orange County naturalization files may capture that journey.

The Reclaim The Records organization won the release of the full New York State Death Index from 1880 to 2017. This free data set includes Orange County deaths. You get names, dates, ages, and state file numbers. Use those numbers to order actual copies from the Department of Health or a local registrar.

New York residents can also access colonial wills and some state census records free through Ancestry.com New York. Since Orange County dates to 1683, some colonial probate records may be in the State Archives collection. Check those digitized records before paying for copies.

Nearby Counties

Orange County borders several other Hudson Valley and southern New York counties. Check these for related genealogy records.