Birth Record Research Request - Before 1900

For this research service, library staff will search for the birth record of one person. A specific location and a specific year (before 1900) must be supplied. Price $12.00 Digital delivery via email and scanning fees are included in the price. MNHS Members receive 10% discount at checkout. Processing fee The price of this service includes a non-refundable processing fee of $5. This is not an additional charge; however, if your order is cancelled for any reason, the Minnesota Historical Society will retain that fee. Turnaround  Research is usually completed and sent within three to four weeks. In some circumstances, it may take up to twelve weeks to complete work. About This Research Service: Library staff will search for one birth record from 1900 or before in one of the following sources: County birth records (see example) Local birth records from a specific city, town, or township (see example) About these records Pre-1900 birth records were the responsibility of counties and municipalities, rather than being a state duty. Original records are usually in the form of a ledger entry, and are organized by the creating entities, often the township/city, but some are county-wide. Unlike more modern birth certificates, ledgers contain minimal information and are not considered official documents. Birth records are not available for all MN counties and townships. Click here to view a detailed list of pre-1900 birth records held by MNHS. The fee for this service covers research and digitization. If no records are located, staff will send you research notes as well as any information that we have that may help you find the record, if it exists. In some cases, counties have retained these early vital records. No refunds will be issued once staff have started work on your request. Records are not available for all MN counties and townships. Before you order, please look carefully at the  If we do not have the records covering the location/date you specify, we will provide information on contacting the appropriate government office, if applicable. For More Information: Vital Records: Marriage, Birth, & Death Research Guide MN People Records Search: includes Death Certificates from 1904-2001 and Birth Records from 1900-1934