So You Want to Peek at Pennsylvania's Past, Obituary Style?
Ever wondered how your great-great-great Uncle Bartholomew shuffled off this mortal coil? Or maybe you're a genealogy enthusiast with a hankering for historical Pennsylvanian obits? Fear not, intrepid explorer of the dearly departed, because this post will be your guide to the wonderful (and sometimes weird) world of online Pennsylvania death certificates.
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| Can I View Pennsylvania Death Certificates Online For Free |
Free Fun? Not Quite, But There's a Workaround!
Now, before we get your hopes sky-high, there's a catch. Generally, you can't view full death certificates online for free in Pennsylvania. Those puppies are guarded more fiercely than a cheese steak at a midnight Eagles game. There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel!
Here's the golden ticket: If you're a resident of the great state of Pennsylvania, you can access Ancestry.com's Pennsylvania collection absolutely free through the Pennsylvania State Archives. That's right, folks, free genealogy research – what a time to be alive! Ancestry.com has death certificates dating from 1906 to 1970, so you might just unearth some fascinating family history.
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Not a Pennsylvania resident? Don't despair! Ancestry.com offers subscriptions, and there are other online resources you can explore (though they might come with a price tag).
Digging Deeper: Alternative Routes to Death Certificate Discovery
While Ancestry.com with the Pennsylvania State Archives is a fantastic option, there are a few other paths you can take:
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- Hit the Books (or Archives): For death certificates before 1906 or after 1970, you might have to get old school. Head to the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg or visit your local county courthouse.
- Get in Touch with the Family Tree Whisperers: Genealogical societies can be a treasure trove of information. They may have access to death certificate records or be able to point you in the right direction.
Remember: There might be fees associated with obtaining copies of death certificates, so be sure to check before you embark on your research adventure.
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FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. How to access death certificates on Ancestry.com through the Pennsylvania State Archives?
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- Be a Pennsylvania resident (sorry, out-of-staters!).
- Visit the Pennsylvania State Archives website and look for the Ancestry.com access information.
2. How to find a death certificate if it's not on Ancestry.com?
- Check with the Pennsylvania State Archives or your local county courthouse.
- Seek help from a genealogical society.
3. Is there a fee to obtain a copy of a death certificate?
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- There might be. Always check with the issuing agency before requesting a copy.
4. How far back do Pennsylvania death certificate records go?
- Records typically go back to 1906, though some counties may have earlier records.
5. Can I get a death certificate online if I'm not in Pennsylvania?
- Ancestry.com and other genealogical websites might have them, but there could be a subscription fee involved.
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