Although this is a New York source answer, I think the info may help
people on NorthEast doing New York City research. [Please no "flames" from
the Yankees on this!]
Rich mentioned New York City records going back to 1866. This is true, but
you must be careful. Those records are only the old City of New York and
the old City of Brooklyn vital records, before the formation of Greater
New York on 1-1-1898.
In the early 1870's and again in 1895, the old City of New York annexed
sections of Westchester County. These sections are today the Borough of
the Bronx. Records of sections of present eastern Bronx [east of the Bronx
River] are NOT w/ NYC records until 1895. From 1880/81 on to 1895 they are
found
w/ the various Towns of Westchester County and are kept by New York State
in Albany, not by the New York City Archives.
The same thing exists with Brooklyn. The old city of Brooklyn records are
kept by New York City Archives, but the old city of Brooklyn did not cover
all of Kings County until 1896. For vital records of the old Kings County
Towns from 1880/81 to annexation to the old City of Brooklyn, you must go
thru' Albany, not the NYC Arvives.
Here's a guide:
Town of Flatbush annexed to old City of Brooklyn 1894
Town of Gravesend " " " " 1894
Town of Flatlands " " " " 1896
Town of New Lots " " " " 1886
Town of New Utrecht " " " " 1894