Genealogy Record Information
Genealogy Record Information
Online Orphans' Court Record Search.
Our online system provides free access to Orphans' Court index and docket information dating back to the year 1800. Available records include estate matters such as Accounts and Trusts, as well as historical birth, death, and marriage documents.
Please note:
Adoptions, Termination of Parental Rights, and Incapacitation cases are not public record and therefore are not available online. Birth and death records after 1905 are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records in New Castle, PA and are not on file at the courthouse.
Online Record Access
County Fusions Portal
Access Marriage and Orphans’ Court records from 1978 to present.
Some earlier records may also appear, but coverage before 1978 is incomplete.
Marriage Records Prior to 1973
Visit www.ancestry.com.
Pennsylvania residents may search free using the PA‑only access link. Otherwise, a paid account may be required.
Available historical materials:
- Marriage Dockets: 1852–1945
- Birth Records: 1852–1854
- Death Records: 1852–1854
FamilySearch.org
Visit www.familysearch.org and select “Search” to access:
- Marriage Dockets: 1885–1950
- Orphans’ Court Dockets: 1800–1853
Additional research support is available through the Adams County Historical Society.
PHMC has digitized many of the Adams County Clerk of Courts' physical case records. These can be viewed online through their digital collections.
Research Requests Through the Clerk of Orphans’ Court
Our office can conduct Orphans' Court record research for a fee. Requests may be submitted in one of these ways:
Online Payment & Request
Submit payment at allpaid.com, then send your written request through the Adams County Clerk of Courts mobile app.Mail‑In Request
Complete the Research Request Form and mail it with payment to:
Clerk of Courts
Room 103
117 Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Research requests are typically completed within 5 business days. Refer to the Fee Schedule for fee minimum.
Other Resources
You may wish to contact the below for additional information:
Adams County Historical Society
PO Box 4325
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
350 North Street Harrisburg PA 17120 717-783-3281
www.phmc.state.pa.us
Information occurring before 1800 contact:
The York County Historical Society
250 East Market Street
York, PA 17402
Department of Vital Records
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
724-656-3100