I strongly advise that you order the microfilm from Family Search.  $7.50 per film.  NYC index cards have many errors--misspellings, leaving out people who are there etc.  I'm not even sure that pre-cert deaths are on those index cards yet and the 1850s are pre-cert. Also, the employees don't like to do the time-consuming difficult work of searching the films and you will likely get 'not found' when it is indeed there.  Further, death certs ordered online are more than $15--there is a search and postage fee which was up to about $20 several years ago when I stopped ordering them and did my own research on film. You will get more info directly from the film.  I have gotten a number of deaths and marriages from the 1850s.  Register with Family Search--free--find the film number--it's on the same page with the deaths you have already located.  Enter your zip code to find the nearest place they can send the film so you can read it.  I was amazed to find my local public library listed.  It doesn't have to be a Family History Center.                            Good luck--Virginia From: Gary Knecht via <ny-irish@rootsweb.com>   Can someone point me to a good discussion that includes a clear description of holdings of the Municipal Archives? I’m interested in deaths in Manhattan between 1854 and 1860. As I recall from previous visits, one can search microfilms of index cards that take you to ledger books which list death information. At some point in the 1860s, ledger books are replaced by death certificates that can be ordered for $15 (online) or $11 (in person). What year is that? Using FamilySearch, I have death information for six people from the database: "NY, NY Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949”. The folks I’m looking for all died 1854 to 1860. On thing I’d like to know is what additional information (if any) will I get from the Municipal Archives if I pay $15? Gary Knecht Oakland, CA

Virginia—I greatly appreciate your advice and, if time permits, I may order microfilms per your suggestion. We have a great FHC here in Oakland. But I am still hoping someone can point me to a good online discussion that says what information I can get from the original 1850s ledger that I can’t get from the FamilySearch record. And says when during the 1860s Death Certificates were first issued in Manhattan (and Brooklyn). Etc. There is no point in spending $7.50 or $15 if there is no additional information in the ledger.—Many thanks. Gary Knecht Oakland, CA