New York Counties

New York has 62 counties, each with its own clerks, historians, and local archives that hold obituary records and death-related documents. Town and city clerks within each county serve as registrars of vital statistics and maintain death records for events in their jurisdiction. County historians often hold obituary collections from local newspapers. The New York State Department of Health maintains death records from 1881 for all areas outside New York City. Select a county below to find local obituary record resources, contact information, and research guides.