New Hampshire, Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

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

Record 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. Prior to 1883 less than half of the population was listed in the birth records; thereafter the records are more complete and give more genealogical information. When the Bureau of Vital Records was created in 1905 printed cards were distributed and early town records of births dating back to the 1640s were transcribed onto the cards and submitted to the new Bureau.

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

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

Record Description
These records are handwritten cards.

Record 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

How to Use the Record
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.

Related Websites
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Related Wiki Articles
New Hampshire Church Records

Sources of This Collection
"New Hampshire Birth Records, early to 1900," database, FamilySearch; from New Hampshire Registrar of Vital Statistics. "Index to births, early to 1900." New Hampshire Registrar of Vital Statistics, Concor, New Hampshire. FHL microfilm, 98 reels. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

A full bibliographic record is available in the Family History Library Catalog.

How To Cite Your Sources
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