Genealogy Services

Application for Genealogical Services

What types of records are available for genealogy research? 

The Town of Essex can provide un-certified copies of the following types of records for genealogy research purposes if the event occurred within the Town:

• Birth certificates – if on file for at least 75 years and the person whose name is on the birth certificate is known to be deceased.

• Death certificates – if on file for at least 50 years.

• Marriage certificates – if on file for at least 50 years and both spouses are known to be deceased.

Are the time periods ever waived? 

The time periods are waived for direct-line descendants. A direct-line descendant is a person in the direct line of descent, i.e., the child, grandchild, great-grandchild of the person whose record is requested. The direct-line descendant applicant must provide the following:

• Proof of their relationship to the person whose record they are requesting.

• Proof of the death of the person whose birth certificate they are requesting.

• Proof of the death of both spouses whose marriage certificate they are requesting.

There is an $11.00 fee per un-certified copy of each event. Fees are payable by cash, check, money order, Master Card or Visa.