Realized, I did not include the following information There are many sources for vital records at NYS Library and Archives. Most people think that all there are would be those on microfiche in the Archives and you purchase them from NYS Health Dept. The vital records held by the NYS Health Dept in Albany, do not include NY City excepts for births occuring in Queens and Richmond counties from 1881 through 1897. Original records of births and marriages for the entire state begin in 1881, deaths begin 1880 EXCEPT for records filed in Albany, Buffalo and Yonkers prior to 1914. (Some of the towns did not get busy and send them in until about 1883 so there are only a few microfiche in the 1880-1882 index) Suggestion - If you are limited in spending money, go for a death certificate as you get more information at the end of the person's life. Be sure you request the complete certificate which includes parents, mother's maiden name, places of birth and all the information. Don't leave that to chance when you write anywhere. You could receive a certificate of birth or death which simply states the person (named) was born on (date) in this township. The forms used by various towns varies but are basic in info. Death Certificates usually include: name, date of death, place of death, including town, county and state. the date and place of birth, age at death (yr mo dy), marital status with spouse's name (maiden if a wife). Occupation, last year employed, sometimes place of employment. Father's name and place of birth. Mother's name (maiden) and place of birth. The informant (usually a family member) Cause of death and duration of illness and other contributing cause(s). The physician's statement, funeral home name and address, place and date of burial. Marriage license/ certificate ( could be 2 papers license and marriage) full name of bride and groom and age. Place of birth. Sometimes date of birth. parent's info (as above) for bride and groom. occupation of each residence of each future residence after marriage How many previous marriages, status-widowed/divorced. The divorced usually require the names and address of their previous spouse. Marriage has signature of person performing ceremony and witnesses. Birth certificate Has full name of child (if unnamed at time of registering, they are listed as male or female) On index would just be a m or f , date and place of birth. Date and place of birth. Parents including mother's maiden name and their places of birth and their ages. Number of births that mother previously had. How many now living. Their residence at time of birth of this child. Parent's usual occupation may be on this also. The more recent birth records include height and weight of baby and time of delivery These are what to expect when you obtain a vital record from the Health Dept. There are other sources at NYS Library and Archives such as church records, cemetery records, town clerk records, Bible records, newspapers, city directories, genealogies, military records, census records, diaries and personal papers, and more. So if you are unable to find a name and date where you think, do not give up but keep looking for more sources. On county level, there are other vital records such as in probate records including guardianships. There are some marriages in Saratoga County Clerk's office for a short time period. Naturalizations are on county level and sometimes include dates and places of birth, listing the spouse and children including their dates and places. Check indexes to other records in a court house such as civil actions, power-of-attorney, pistol permits, etc. Hope this gives you a few more choices. Always strive to find at least 3 sources of information proving each of your vital records. If you find a discrepancy in the 3, then you need to find other sources until you feel certain that you have the date God Bless Ruth Ann [email protected] ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.