The Minnesota Historical Society has a vast collection of state and local government records, including Minnesota marriage, birth, and death records. Marriage records began in the 1850s, and birth/death records began in 1870 for counties formed by then. The Library's collections of vital records vary by county and year covered.
Other resources may be searched if the Library does not have vital records for the time period or area needed. Religious records (for baptism, marriage, and death information), obituaries (birth information is sometimes included), and census records may provide some or all of this information.
The Library does not provide certified copies of vital records. Certified records may be requested from the Vital Statistics Registrar at a local county office or the Minnesota Department of Health.
The purpose of this guide is to introduce the death, birth, and marriage records in our collections and how to access these records.
Jackie Beckey
Reference Librarian
Gale Family Library
Minnesota Historical Society Library
Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Library Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
More Information on Visiting the Library
Contact Us:
651-259-3300
