New Hampshire, Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
These records cover from the early years to 1900.

Collection History
Official records of births occurring in each New Hampshire town or city are kept by the clerk, who sends copies to the Bureau of Vital Records and Health in Concord, New Hampshire. Statewide compilation began with the passing of a law in 1866. Total compliance with the law did not happen until sometime in the 1880’s. The Bureau of Vital Records was not created until 1905 but it contains records from about 1640 to the present. Prior to 1883 less than half of the population was listed in the birth records. After that the records are more complete and give more genealogical information.

Why This Collection Was Created
Births were recorded to better serve public health needs.

Collection Reliability
The most reliable information is the date and place of birth.

Collection Description
These records are handwritten cards.

How to Use the Collection
Birth records are the best source of birth information. The birth record may provide clues for further research: date and place of birth of the individual, names of parents, place of residence, etc.

Collection Content
Key genealogical facts found in New Hampshire Statewide Birth index cards are: • Name of child • Date and place of birth • Ages of parents • Name of father and mother and their place of birth • Name of physician or midwife • Gender • Color or race • Living or stillborn • Occupations of parents • Place recorded

Bibliographic Information
New Hampshire. Registrar of Vital Statistics. “Index to births, early to 1900,” Registrar of Vital Statistics, Concord, New Hampshire. FHL Microfilms: 1000371-1000379, 1000480-1000500, 1000937-1000947, 1001001-1001057. New Hampshire. Registrar of Vital Statistics. “Index to births, early to 1900,” Registrar of Vital Statistics, Concord, New Hampshire. FHL Microfilms: 1000371-1000379, 1000480-1000500, 1000937-1000947, 1001001-1001057.