Westchester County Genealogy Records

Westchester County genealogy records stretch back to the 1680s, making this one of the deepest collections in New York State. As one of the original twelve counties formed in 1683, Westchester has land records, court files, and probate documents that span over 340 years. The county seat is White Plains, where the clerk's office, surrogate's court, and county archives hold the bulk of the official records. The Westchester County Historical Society adds family files, manuscripts, and cemetery records to the mix. With its location just north of New York City, Westchester attracted settlers from many backgrounds, and the records reflect that mix.

Westchester County Clerk Genealogy Records

The Westchester County Clerk at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601 is the primary office for county-level genealogy records. Phone is (914) 995-3080.

Land records from the 1680s to the present are the standout here. Deeds, mortgages, and property transfers going back to the colonial period make this one of the longest runs of land records in the state. Court records are also extensive. Naturalization records cover immigrants who filed their papers in Westchester County courts. Military discharges are on file too.

The early land records are particularly valuable for genealogy. Colonial-era deeds often describe property by natural landmarks and name neighbors, which helps place your ancestor in a specific community. Family relationships sometimes appear in deed language, especially when land passed between generations. The grantor and grantee indexes make it possible to follow property through a family line over many decades.

Westchester County originally extended much further north than it does today. The Bronx was part of Westchester until it became a separate county in 1914. If your ancestors lived in what is now the Bronx before that year, their records may be in the Westchester County Clerk's files rather than in Bronx County records.

Probate Records in Westchester County

The Westchester County Surrogate's Court at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601 has probate records from 1683 to the present. Call (914) 995-3081 for search procedures.

Over 340 years of wills, estate inventories, guardianship records, and letters of administration are on file. Colonial-era probate records can be exceptionally detailed, listing enslaved persons, livestock, farm implements, and household goods along with family members. A will from the 1700s might mention children, grandchildren, and in-laws by name. Later probate files are more formal but still provide key genealogy data.

Files are indexed by the decedent's name. You will need the name and an approximate date of death to start a search. Some colonial probate records from 1665 to 1815 are also at the New York State Archives in Albany, and many have been digitized.

State Genealogy Resources for Westchester County

The NYS Department of Health holds vital records for Westchester County from the state registration period.

Birth records open after 75 years if the person is deceased. Death records open after 50 years. Marriage records need 50 years and proof both spouses have died. Fees start at $22 for a three-year search. Processing can take eight months or more.

For vital events before state registration, check town clerk records and church registers in Westchester communities. Many congregations kept baptism, marriage, and burial records dating to the colonial period. The New York State Archives in Albany holds census, military, and land records covering the county. The New York State Library has family and county histories on site.

Westchester County Historical Society Genealogy

The Westchester County Historical Society at 2199 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 holds extensive genealogical collections. Phone is (914) 592-4323.

The society maintains family files, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and cemetery records for Westchester County. These materials go beyond what the government offices hold and can provide personal details, community context, and family connections that official records miss. Cemetery records are particularly valuable for tracking family members whose vital records may be missing or hard to obtain.

The society's research library is open to visitors. Contact them ahead of your visit to find out what they have for your specific surnames or communities. Membership may give you additional access to their publications and research services.

Westchester County Archives

The Westchester County Archives maintain county government records, historical documents, and research materials. These archives hold older records that have been transferred from active government offices. If you need records from a specific county department or agency, the archives may have historical files that are no longer at the originating office.

The Bronx connection is worth noting again. Before 1914, communities like Morrisania, West Farms, Kingsbridge, and Westchester (the town) were all part of this county. Records for those communities up to the annexation dates are in Westchester's files. This is a common research trap that catches many genealogists off guard.

Land and Property Records in Westchester County

Land records at the Westchester County Clerk go back to the 1680s and include deeds, mortgages, and liens. The grantor and grantee indexes make it possible to follow property through a family line. Colonial-era deeds can describe property by stream, road, and neighbor, which helps locate exactly where your ancestor lived. Copy fees apply for all reproductions.

The NYS Archives land records hold colonial patents, Indian treaties, and state land sales for Westchester County. Under the Estates, Powers and Trust Law, property transfers at death follow specific rules in New York. Land records are one of the best secondary sources for Westchester County genealogy when vital records have gaps or are restricted by privacy rules.

Westchester County Archives

The Westchester County Archives hold county government records, historical documents, and research materials that go beyond what the clerk's office offers. If you have hit a wall with standard vital records or land records, the archives may have administrative files, correspondence, or institutional records that mention your ancestor by name.

The Westchester County Historical Society at 2199 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 is another key stop for researchers. The society keeps family files, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and cemetery records for the county. Call (914) 592-4323 to ask about their holdings before you visit. The society can help with hard-to-find records that are not held at the county clerk or surrogate's court.

Cities in Westchester County

These cities and towns in Westchester County have their own genealogy resource pages.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Westchester County with their own genealogy record collections.