The Department of Health has transferred a copy of its genealogical
indexes to vital records to the New York State Archives (SARA) where
they are available for public use.
The indexes contain the following information: name, place, date
certificate number. They cover the following time periods:
Index to births, 1881-1921
Index to marriages, 1881-1946
Index to deaths, 1881-1946
There are no indexes for NYCity vital records and none for Albany,
Buffalo and Yonkers prior to 1914.
NEW YORK STATE DOES NOT HAVE VITAL RECORDS PRIOR TO 1881
The indexes are on microfiche. Access to the indexes is unrestricted.
The Archives does NOT have the original vital record certificates.
They remain in the custody of the Dept. of Health.
A directory of local registrars is available at the Archives along with
order forms.
Hope this helps someone.