Search Bradford County Family History
Bradford County genealogy research centers on the courthouse in Towanda and the Bradford County Historical Society. The county holds records going back to 1810, including wills, land deeds, marriage licenses, and birth and death records. Bradford County was originally named Ontario County when it formed in 1810 from parts of Lycoming and Luzerne Counties. Researchers can find a deep collection of local ancestry materials spanning more than two centuries at official offices, the historical society, and through free online archives.
Bradford County Genealogy Quick Facts
Bradford County Genealogy Records Overview
Bradford County was formed on February 21, 1810, and originally named Ontario County. The name was changed to Bradford in 1812. The county seat is Towanda, where the main courthouse is located. Wills and probate records date from 1810. Land records from the Recorder of Deeds also begin in 1810. Marriage licenses are on file from 1885. Birth and death records held locally cover 1893 to 1905.
The USGenWeb Archives project at usgwarchives.net offers free access to many Bradford County records. The archive includes cemetery transcriptions for rural townships, military records from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam era, newspaper extracts from The Bradford Reporter, will abstracts, deed abstracts, church records, and a naturalization records index. The 1850 census for Bradford County is also transcribed and available for free online research.
The county has a rich agricultural and industrial history. Families settled here from New England and New York in the early 1800s. The Bradford County Historical Society and the courthouse records together create a solid base for ancestry research. Researchers who trace families to this part of Pennsylvania's Northern Tier region will find well-preserved records across multiple offices and archives.
Bradford County Register of Wills and Recorder
The Bradford County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds office is located at 301 Main Street in Towanda. The office handles marriage licenses, birth and death records from 1893 to 1905, probate files, and all land records from 1810. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The main phone number is (570) 265-1701.
Staff can assist with in-person record searches and provide certified copies. Mail requests are also accepted. Researchers should include as much identifying information as possible when submitting a mail request. Providing the full name, approximate dates, and type of record helps staff locate the correct documents. Copy fees apply for both certified and plain copies of records.
The Bradford County government website provides contact information and guidance on accessing official records. Researchers planning a courthouse visit should call ahead to confirm current procedures and any changes to office hours.
| Register of Wills / Recorder |
Bradford County Courthouse 301 Main Street Towanda, PA 18848 Phone: (570) 265-1701 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | bradfordcountypa.org |
Bradford County Historical Society
The Bradford County Historical Society is located at 109 Pine Street, Towanda, PA 18848, just steps from the courthouse. The phone number is (570) 265-2240. The society holds an extensive research library with family histories, county histories, cemetery records, church record transcriptions, newspaper archives on microfilm, and photographs. Museum exhibits focus on Bradford County's history through the Civil War era and beyond.
Research assistance is available from society staff and volunteers. Membership includes a newsletter and research discounts. The society publishes local history materials that may not be found elsewhere. Researchers who cannot visit in person may be able to obtain assistance by mail or email for a fee. The society's collections include materials from various townships across Bradford County, making it a central resource for anyone researching ancestors from this part of Pennsylvania.
Note: The Bradford County Historical Society's research hours vary by season. Contact the society at (570) 265-2240 or check bradfordhistory.org before planning a visit.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records in Bradford County
Vital records for Bradford County are split by time period. Local birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 are held at the Register of Wills in Towanda. Marriage licenses from 1885 onward are also kept there. For births and deaths from 1906 to the present, researchers must contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records.
Pennsylvania's statewide vital records program began in 1906 under 35 P.S. Section 450.801. Birth certificates from 1906 onward are available from the state but are not public records until 105 years after the birth. Death certificates from 1906 forward can be requested by qualifying family members. Standard certified copies cost $20 each. Orders can be placed online through the official state vendor or by mail to the Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.
Church records are important for Bradford County research before 1893. Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian congregations in the county kept their own registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials. The Bradford County Historical Society and the USGenWeb Archives both have church record transcriptions that may help fill gaps in civil registration.
Land and Probate Records in Bradford County
Bradford County land records begin in 1810 at the Recorder of Deeds. Deeds, mortgages, and property transfers have been continuously recorded since the county's formation. Searching the grantor and grantee indexes allows researchers to trace property ownership and identify neighboring landowners who may be related. Early land transactions in Bradford County often involved large tracts bought by settlers from New England and New York.
Probate records at the Bradford County Register of Wills include wills, estate inventories, letters of administration, and guardian records. Wills from 1810 onward are available. These records are open to the public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. Section 67.101. Will abstracts contributed by researchers are also available through the USGenWeb Archives, which can help identify relevant courthouse records before making an in-person visit.
Pennsylvania Archives and Bradford County Research
The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds statewide collections relevant to Bradford County research. Military records, naturalization records, and early land warrant applications are among the materials held at the state level. The Archives is open to the public and free to visit. Researchers can also access many finding aids online before their visit.
FamilySearch and Ancestry.com have digitized significant collections covering Bradford County. Census images, vital records indexes, and military records are available through both platforms. The State Library of Pennsylvania provides genealogy research guides and resources that are useful for locating records across the Northern Tier region. Together, these statewide resources complement the local Bradford County records held in Towanda.
Naturalization records for Bradford County immigrants can be a key resource for tracing families back to their country of origin. Many settlers came from New England in the early 1800s. Later waves of immigration brought families from Ireland and other parts of Europe. The Bradford County Historical Society's collections include some naturalization-related materials as well.
Note: The Library of Congress guide to Pennsylvania genealogy covers Act 127 of 2016, which updated rules on accessing certain Pennsylvania vital records and is useful context for researchers working with older documents.
Cities in Bradford County
Bradford County communities include Towanda, Sayre, Athens, and Wyalusing. For a full list of Pennsylvania cities with dedicated genealogy pages, visit our cities directory.
Nearby Counties
Bradford County sits in Pennsylvania's Northern Tier. Ancestors near county borders may have records in a neighboring county. Check the offices below when research leads to boundary areas.