Search Pittsburgh Family History
Pittsburgh genealogy records cover generations of families who built and shaped one of Pennsylvania's great industrial cities. Allegheny County holds the official records for Pittsburgh, and multiple archives serve researchers looking for birth, death, marriage, and land documents. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh City Archives, and the Heinz History Center each offer unique collections. Whether you are searching for a great-grandparent who arrived during the steel era or tracing a family line into the 19th century, Pittsburgh's records are rich and accessible.
Pittsburgh Genealogy Quick Facts
Where to Find Pittsburgh Genealogy Records
The Pittsburgh City Archives, managed by the Records Management Division, serves as the primary repository for city administrative and historical records. Created in 2018, the division manages, stores, and preserves records of lasting value for Pittsburgh. Research inquiries can be directed to the office by calling 412-255-0873 or emailing archives@pittsburghpa.gov. The growing catalog of archival records is updated as new collections are processed and made available to the public.
The Pittsburgh City Archives is accessible online for catalog searches. The Records Management Division oversees citywide retention policies and helps researchers navigate both electronic and physical record sets. Brenda Pree, a former City Clerk, helped launch the department and digitized more than 125 years of city records, making Pittsburgh genealogy research more accessible than ever.
Allegheny County maintains its own set of records for births, deaths, marriages, and land transactions. For deeds and property records, the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds office in Pittsburgh serves both city and county researchers. For marriage licenses and wills, the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court handles Allegheny County records.
Pittsburgh Vital Records
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh holds a remarkable collection of pre-1906 vital records on microfilm in its Local History and Genealogy Department. City of Pittsburgh birth records run from 1870 to 1905. Allegheny City birth records span 1885 through October 1907, before Allegheny City was annexed into Pittsburgh. Allegheny County birth records from 1893 to 1905 are also available here, along with records from McKeesport, Sewickley, and Wilkinsburg.
Birth records less than 105 years old are not public in Pennsylvania. Only specific family members may request copies of recent records. Once a birth record passes the 105-year threshold, anyone may access it. For births prior to civil recordkeeping, church records are the recommended source. The Carnegie Library staff can help researchers locate request forms for pre-1906 birth records and estimate completion times, though requests may take several weeks to fulfill.
For vital records from 1906 forward, the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records operates a walk-in office at 411 7th Ave, Suite 360, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: (412) 565-5113. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Same-day processing may be available for those who arrive before a set cutoff time. Valid government-issued photo ID is required, and payment at this location is by check or money order only. Under 35 P.S. §450.801, certified birth and death certificates cost $20 each.
Note: Birth records from 1906 to 1913 are also available on Ancestry.com as part of the digitization partnership between Pennsylvania and Ancestry.
Historical Resources in Pittsburgh
The Heinz History Center houses the Detre Library and Archives, one of the most comprehensive regional history collections in western Pennsylvania. The Detre Library holds newspapers, photographs, manuscripts, and family papers covering Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Researchers studying Pittsburgh genealogy often find family documents, local histories, and immigration-related materials here that are not available elsewhere.
The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society at wpgs.org supports researchers through publications, databases, and volunteer-led projects. The society maintains indexes and compiled records specific to the Pittsburgh area and holds regular meetings and research sessions. Their online resources are a useful starting point for any Pittsburgh family history project.
Historic Pittsburgh at historicpittsburgh.org is a virtual archive combining maps, images, local histories, and city directories. This free resource helps researchers understand the neighborhoods where their ancestors lived and worked. City directories from the 19th and early 20th centuries can help narrow down addresses and occupations before formal vital records were kept.
The Archives and Records Center of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh maintains parish sacramental records covering birth, marriage, death, confirmation, and baptism. Research requests cost $15.00 per hour. The mailing address is 1050 Logue Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Records less than 70 years old are closed. Records between 70 and 100 years old require proof of death, while records over 100 years old are open to all researchers.
The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation maintains the James D. Van Trump Library at 100 West Station Square Drive, Suite 450, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: 412-471-5808. The library holds books, manuscripts, periodicals, and historic site survey data covering Pittsburgh's architectural and community history.
Land and Property Records in Pittsburgh
Allegheny County land records serve researchers tracing property ownership in Pittsburgh. The Recorder of Deeds maintains deeds and related documents for the county. The Pennsylvania State Archives holds Land Warrant Registers from 1733 to 1957, organized county by county and available as digitized images. These early land records are essential for tracing Pittsburgh-area families back to the earliest settlement period.
The state land acquisition process began with an application, followed by a warrant authorizing a survey, the survey itself, and finally a patent transferring ownership. These records document the transfer from the Proprietor, originally William Penn and his heirs, or the Commonwealth, to the first private owner. Researchers can access these records through the PHMC at pa.gov/agencies/phmc/pa-state-archives/.
Searching Pittsburgh Records Online
Pennsylvania's partnership with Ancestry.com has digitized thousands of state-held records, making them searchable from home. Death certificates from 1906 to 1972 and birth certificates from 1906 to 1919 are among the records available online. Pennsylvania residents access these digitized state records for free through Ancestry.com Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Archives ARIAS database also provides free online access to about 1.5 million military records, useful for researching Pittsburgh ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, or World War I.
The Library of Congress Pennsylvania research guide outlines resources available under Act 127 of 2016, which expanded access to certain Pennsylvania genealogy records. Researchers can also consult the State Library of Pennsylvania for on-site access to Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest, and Fold3. Pennsylvania residents may access Power Library electronic databases remotely through their local library card.
The Pittsburgh City Archives catalog is searchable online, giving researchers a head start before visiting in person to request documents or access collections.
Allegheny County Genealogy Records
Pittsburgh sits within Allegheny County, and county-level records complement what the city archives holds. Allegheny County maintains marriage licenses, wills, probate records, and land documents that together form a complete picture of Pittsburgh family history. For more information on Allegheny County genealogy resources, visit the county page.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Families often spread across multiple cities over generations. Explore genealogy resources in other Pennsylvania cities to follow your family trail.