Elsa, What courthouse were you visiting? In New York State, BMD records are not kept there but where the events occurred, with the exception of marriage. For example; I was born in Niagara Falls, NY - my birth certificate is at the City Clerk's Office in Niagara Falls. My husband and I applied for our marriage license at Lockport, NY - our marriage certificate is at the City Clerk's Office in Lockport. My dad died at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY - his death certificate is at the Town Clerk's Office in the Town of Lewiston, NY. If he had died at the Village of Lewiston, the certificate might be at the Village Clerk's Office or the Town Clerk's Office. More often than not, the records are kept at the town rather than the village; but not always. I hope this helps. Ellen Colangelo