Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania genealogy
Pennsylvania is one of the richest states for American genealogy, with colonial Quaker research, German-speaking communities, Scots-Irish settlement, Mennonite and Amish history, industrial migration, African American history and major urban immigration.
Pennsylvania vital records
Statewide birth certificates began in 1906. Earlier records are often county or city based.
PA State Archives →Statewide registration began in 1906; archival death certificates are available for historical periods.
Genealogy services →Marriage research frequently requires county-level courthouse, church and historical sources.
Research guide →PA State Archives provides a county-by-county digitized records guide.
Browse county records →Pennsylvania county-by-county
Pennsylvania historical research
Pennsylvania genealogy centers
Colonial, Quaker, immigrant, African American and urban genealogy.
Industrial immigration and European American community history.
German, Mennonite, Amish and colonial genealogy.
State government and archival research.
Lehigh Valley German and industrial migration.
Great Lakes immigration and industrial communities.
Ethnic & community research
German-speaking families, churches and communities.
Philadelphia, Underground Railroad, emancipation and migration research.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and immigrant community research.
Lenape, Susquehannock, Seneca and other Indigenous histories.
Pennsylvania genealogy databases
State records, county records, vital records and research guides.
Search →County-by-county access points.
Browse →Historical records and county collections.
Search →Extensive Pennsylvania historical collections.
Search →Continue your Pennsylvania research
Start with county formation and locality. Then combine courthouse records, churches, land, probate and newspapers with DNA evidence where appropriate.
DNA Academy - Quick Answers
What formats are your free templates available in?
Our templates are available as downloadable Excel/Google Sheets files (for digital tracking).
How do I use a research log effectively?
A research log helps you track which records you’ve searched, what you found, and what’s still missing. We recommend filling it out as you go, it prevents duplicate searches and helps you identify patterns. Our template includes columns for date, source, location, and findings.
Are the templates available in languages other than English?
Currently, our templates are in English only. We are exploring translations into Swedish, Spanish, and German based on user requests. If you need a specific language, contact us and we’ll prioritize it.