Richmond County Genealogy

Richmond County genealogy records cover Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs. The county is one of the original twelve formed in 1683, giving it some of the oldest records in the state. After consolidation into New York City in 1898, record-keeping shifted to city agencies, so researchers need to check both borough-level and citywide sources. The NYC Municipal Archives, the Richmond County Surrogate's Court, and the Staten Island Historical Society each hold different pieces of the family history puzzle here. Whether your ancestors were early Dutch farmers or arrived during the 1800s wave of immigration, Richmond County has records worth searching.

NYC Municipal Archives and Richmond County Genealogy

The NYC Municipal Archives at 31 Chambers Street, Room 103, New York, NY 10007 is the main source for Staten Island vital records used in genealogy research. Call (212) 639-9675 or dial 311 from within the city.

Staten Island vital records at the archives include births from 1898 to 1909, deaths from 1898 to 1948, and marriages from 1898 to 1949. These dates start at consolidation, when Richmond County became part of New York City. Before 1898, vital records for Staten Island were kept at the town and village level, and many have been lost or scattered.

State Census records for Richmond County are available for 1855, 1865, 1875, 1915, and 1925 through the Municipal Archives. Note that the 1825, 1845, 1892, and 1905 state census records are lost for this county. This is a real gap in the record, and you may need to rely on federal censuses, church records, or other sources to fill in those years.

The Historical Vital Records Project has digitized millions of New York City records and made many of them searchable online. You can browse indexes at the archives website to find certificate numbers, then order copies. In-person research requires an appointment. Email research@records.nyc.gov for general questions or familyhistory@records.nyc.gov for genealogy help.

Richmond County Genealogy Collections

The NYC Municipal Archives digital portal gives access to millions of historical vital records for all five boroughs, including Staten Island.

Roughly 25 percent of all births before 1910 were never reported to the city. If you cannot find a birth record, check church baptism registers as an alternative. Many Staten Island churches kept detailed records that predate the city's registration system.

Probate Records in Richmond County

The Richmond County Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301 has probate records from 1683 to the present. Call (718) 675-8500 for information on searching files.

As one of the original counties, Richmond has one of the longest runs of probate records in the state. Wills, letters testamentary, estate inventories, and guardianship records are all here. A will from the colonial era might name slaves, describe farm plots by landmark, or list household goods in detail. Later records tend to be more formal but still name heirs and describe property.

For genealogy purposes, probate files are indexed by the name of the deceased. You can request a search by mail with the decedent's name and approximate date of death. The court charges search and copy fees. Sealed adoption records are not available to the public.

Staten Island Historical Society Genealogy Resources

The Staten Island Historical Society at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306 maintains a collection of historical manuscripts, photographs, artifacts, and documents useful for Richmond County genealogy. Call (718) 351-1611.

The society holds the 1835 New York State Census county original, which is a rare find since many early census records have been lost. Historical manuscripts in the collection include personal papers, business records, and community documents that can fill in gaps left by official records. The museum campus at Historic Richmond Town also gives context for how your ancestors may have lived on Staten Island in earlier centuries.

More Genealogy Resources for Richmond County

The Staten Island Historian at 460 Brielle Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314 can provide guidance on where to look for records. The historian is not set up to do genealogy research directly, but they can point you in the right direction. Email sihistorian@aol.com with your question.

For birth certificates from 1910 to the present and death certificates from 1949 to the present, contact the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013. Fees are $15 per certificate. Birth certificates can only be ordered for deceased relatives. For marriage records from 1930 to the present, the NYC Clerk's office at 141 Worth Street handles requests. Records over 50 years old are open to the public.

The NYS Department of Health also has vital records for Richmond County from the state registration period. Fees start at $22 for a three-year search. The New York State Archives in Albany holds additional census, land, and military records that cover the county.

Land and Property Records for Richmond County Genealogy

Land records for Staten Island follow a more complex path than most New York counties. Before consolidation in 1898, Richmond County maintained its own land records through the county clerk. After consolidation, land records shifted to the New York City Register's office. The city register now handles deeds, mortgages, and liens for all five boroughs.

For older land records, the Richmond County Clerk's historical files and the New York City Municipal Archives may both have relevant materials. Colonial-era land patents from the Dutch and English periods are at the New York State Archives in Albany. These early records can trace property back to the original grants and show how land was divided among heirs across generations. Staten Island had large farm estates in the colonial period, and the deed records reflect that pattern of land use.

Cities in Richmond County

Richmond County is part of New York City. See the city page for more resources.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Richmond County with their own genealogy record collections.