In Delaware, genealogy records can be found through numerous records searches. The state has a number of resources available that can help you, but it is also possible to find documents that are hundreds of years old at the local level. Many people are using these records to build long lines of family history. You may find yourself amazed by the number of people available to you to work with. However, in order to create a family tree, you will need to start with one-step at a time. Use various sources to back up the information you find.

The state of Delaware is an older one. The area has been established and lived in for hundreds of years, but that does not mean the state itself has records for those people who called it home. The city of Wilmington is one of the few that has records that date back to the 1880's. Those records are of the births, deaths and marriages occurring in the area. The state itself did not require local communities and counties to report these vital records to the state until 1913. At that time, the records were only made available for a limited time. However, if you are looking for birth records from 1920, death or marriage records from 1953 and onward, your first place to visit is the Department of Vital Records. You can visit or write to them at the following address.

Office of Vital Statistics

Division of Public Health

PO Box 637

Dover, Delaware 19903

It is possible to find older records for your Delaware genealogy records search. The Delaware State Archives does have on file records from hundreds of years ago, though it is not a complete history. You can view or request information from these records at the following address:

Delaware State Archives

Hall of Records

Bureau of Archives and Records Management

Duke of York Street and Legislative Avenue

Dover, Delaware 19901

Gathering Delaware genealogy records from just this source is often enough. However, if you do not find the options you need here, there are other considerations. The state did participate in the 1910 census. Local counties collected information including the names, addresses, family members and occupations of individuals and kept them on file. For Native American Records, check out the Allotment of Lands to Delaware Indians and the Federally Non-Recognized Tribes directories held at the state level. You can also search some of the cemeteries in the area for additional information. In New Castle County, Gracelawn Memorial Park has records. Pencader Cemetery does as well. In Sussex County, Ocean View Presbyterian Church records are also available. The News Journal based in New Castle County has some records of birth and deaths as well as marriages on file.

It is possible to find many of the Delaware genealogy records you need in the state. However, do not forget to look at local town clerk’s offices and at churches in the area, too. These local records often have the most information for a search that is thorough and accurate.

• Delaware Genealogical Society

• Delaware Genealogy