Researching Pennsylvania genealogy can involve several hundred years of history, though official state records typically start around 1906. Libraries and county offices may have older material for some area.
Pennsylvania Vital Records
The first place to start for any genealogical search is the vital records office. In Pennsylvania, there are 6 separate offices that can issues copies of birth and death records. Going in person can mean you get your records while you wait, rather than deal with long processing delays when sending by mail. So if you can visit the offices in Pittsburg, Scranton, New Castle, Erie, Harrisburg or Philadelphia, you will get much better service. Mailing will take up to 3 months, but in person service is typically while-you-wait.
You have to be a relative in order to make a request for a birth certificate, but if the person is now deceased then there are no restrictions at all (you have to provide proof of death with your application). There is a $10 fee for a certified birth record to be issued. For death records, you do have to be a relative in order to request any copies. These documents have a fee of $9 each. Either way, you can get the forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Health website...Read More