Susquehanna County Genealogy Archive Access
Susquehanna County genealogy records are held at the county courthouse in Montrose and at the Susquehanna County Historical Society. The county has maintained probate and land records since its formation in 1810, with birth and death records available from 1893 and marriage records from 1885. Researchers searching for Susquehanna County ancestors will find a combined county office for the Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, and Clerk of Orphans' Court, plus a dedicated historical society with research services and its own specialized collections.
Susquehanna County Quick Facts
Susquehanna County Genealogical Records
Susquehanna County was formed in 1810 from a portion of Luzerne County. The county seat is Montrose, located at the top of the Endless Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania. The county also borders New York State, which means that many Susquehanna County families had connections to New York ancestry as well. Researchers should check New York state records when tracing families who lived near the border or who moved between the two states.
The Susquehanna County government maintains the Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, and Clerk of Orphans' Court as a combined office. Birth and death records run from 1893 to 1905, marriage records from 1885 to the present, probate records from 1810 to the present, land records from 1810 to the present, military records from 1918 to the present, and naturalization records from 1844 to 1956. Contact the office at 570-278-4600 or by email at regrec@susqco.com.
Note: The naturalization records from 1844 to 1956 are a particularly strong resource for Susquehanna County genealogy, especially for researchers tracing immigrant ancestors who settled in northeastern Pennsylvania during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds
The combined county office in Montrose handles all probate and land records for Susquehanna County. Probate records from 1810 to the present include wills, letters of administration, estate inventories, and distribution records. These documents name heirs and family members and are among the most useful genealogical sources available. Land records from the same period document every property transfer since the county was founded.
Marriage records from 1885 to the present are also held at this office. Birth and death records from 1893 to 1905 are available locally. Under 65 P.S. §§ 67.101, these historical records are public and can be accessed by any researcher. For births and deaths after 1906, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health under 35 P.S. §450.801. The naturalization records, covering 1844 to 1956, document the citizenship process for immigrants and often include country of origin and arrival information.
The Pennsylvania State Archives provides statewide resources that complement local Susquehanna County genealogical collections, including records predating the county's 1810 formation.
Susquehanna County Historical Society
The Susquehanna County Historical Society provides research services for genealogists working on Susquehanna County family history. The society is clear that original birth, marriage, or death certificates, wills, estate papers, naturalization papers, and tax records are all held at the Susquehanna County Courthouse in Montrose, not at the Historical Society. This distinction is important: researchers seeking official documents must go to the courthouse, while those seeking compiled genealogies, local histories, and supplementary materials should visit the Historical Society.
Research requests submitted to the Historical Society require fees paid at the time of request. Turnaround time for genealogical inquiries is 4 to 6 weeks. Copies cost $0.25 per page for standard photocopies, including microfilm. The society cannot copy certain published or large manuscript genealogies due to copyright restrictions and staff limitations. Researchers should contact the society in advance to confirm available records and current fees before submitting a request.
Note: Researchers are reminded that original vital records and court documents are held at the Susquehanna County Courthouse in Montrose, while the Historical Society maintains its own separate collection of local history materials.
Vital Records in Susquehanna County
Vital records in Susquehanna County follow Pennsylvania's standard registration timeline. Birth and death records at the local courthouse run from 1893 to 1905. Marriage records from 1885 to the present are available at the courthouse. For events after 1906, the Pennsylvania Department of Health holds birth and death certificates. Under Act 127 of 2016, older vital records became more accessible to genealogical researchers.
Before 1893, births and deaths in Susquehanna County were not officially recorded by the state. Church records, cemetery transcriptions, and family Bibles are the primary sources for vital events in this earlier period. Because the county borders New York, some families may have been baptized or married in New York churches even if they lived in Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna County Historical Society may hold some church record transcriptions that can help fill these gaps.
Land and Probate Records
Susquehanna County's probate and land records stretch back to the county's founding in 1810. The probate collection includes wills, administration records, estate inventories, and Orphan's Court proceedings. Land records cover all property transactions since 1810, and the grantor and grantee indexes allow searching by name. Together, these records provide a detailed picture of family property ownership over time in Susquehanna County.
The military records available from 1918 to the present are another valuable genealogical resource held at the courthouse. These records document Susquehanna County residents who served in the armed forces and can provide information on service, discharge, and residency. The Pennsylvania State Archives holds Luzerne County records that predate Susquehanna County's formation and can help trace families in the area before 1810. Under 37 Pa.C.S. § 305.3, these historical records are preserved for ongoing public access.
Pennsylvania Archives and Online Research
The Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg holds statewide records that complement local Susquehanna County resources. These include military records, early tax lists, and land warrant registers. Because the county borders New York, the New York State Archives and FamilySearch collections for New York may also be relevant. The State Library of Pennsylvania offers online guides and database access for all Pennsylvania counties.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region encompasses Susquehanna County and several neighboring areas. Its resources can help identify local historical organizations and collections. FamilySearch.org has digitized many Pennsylvania probate and land records, including materials relevant to Susquehanna County. The Wyoming County Historical Society in Tunkhannock and the Bradford County Historical Society in Towanda are both cited as neighboring resources by the Susquehanna County Historical Society and may hold materials relevant to families who moved between these border counties. The Pennsylvania Orphans Court system holds records for guardianships, adoptions, and other family legal matters.
Cities in Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County's county seat is Montrose, situated in the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. The county includes several boroughs and townships, and all genealogical records for the county are held at the Montrose courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Susquehanna County borders four Pennsylvania counties as well as New York State. Families in this border region often had ties to New York ancestry and neighboring county records.