Find Oregon Genealogy Records
Oregon genealogy records span more than 150 years of state and local history. You can search birth, death, marriage, land, probate, and military records held by the Oregon State Archives, county clerk offices, and local historical societies across the state. Each of Oregon's 36 counties keeps its own genealogy records going back to when that county was first formed. Many of these records are now available online through indexed databases and digital archives. Whether you are tracing Oregon Trail pioneers or looking for more recent family ties, Oregon provides several ways to search and find the genealogy records you need.
Oregon Genealogy Quick Facts
Oregon State Archives Genealogy
The Oregon State Archives is the main repository for historical government records used in genealogy research across Oregon. The Archives holds census records, land records, military records, naturalization records, probate files, and vital records. The Oregon Historical Records Index gives access to surname entries from selected records in the collection. Oregon's Provisional and Territorial Records Guide covers the state's earliest government documents, including maps and agency histories. The Archives is open by appointment on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call 503-373-0701 or email Reference.Archives@sos.oregon.gov to set up a visit for your Oregon genealogy research.
The Archives also maintains the Oregon Administrative Rules and the Oregon Blue Book, the official state almanac. For genealogy work, the most useful tool is the county records guide. It covers all 36 counties.
The Oregon Historical County Records Guide provides detailed inventories of selected records for every Oregon county. Each entry lists what records are held at county offices, the State Archives, local museums, and other locations. The guide includes formation dates and parent counties for each location in Oregon.
Oregon genealogy records described in the guide include:
- Birth and death registers
- Marriage records and licenses
- Probate files and estate records
- Court case files and judgments
- Deed and land records
- Tax rolls and school census records
These inventories help you plan your research before you travel. Many of these record types date back to the mid-1800s in Oregon's oldest counties.
Oregon Vital Records for Genealogy
The Oregon Health Authority Center for Health Statistics maintains all vital records for the state. These are key records for Oregon genealogy. Birth records began statewide in 1903. Portland kept its own birth registers from 1864 to 1917. Death records also started statewide in 1903, with Portland death records going back to 1862. Marriage records in Oregon date to 1855. Knowing these dates helps you decide where to search. Records created before statewide registration may be held at the county level or at the Oregon State Archives instead of the state health office.
Privacy rules apply to Oregon vital records used in genealogy. Birth records are closed for 100 years under Oregon law. Only close family members and legal representatives can get them during that time. Death and marriage records are restricted for 50 years. After those periods end, the records open for genealogy research by any person. Under ORS 192.495, public records more than 25 years old are generally open for inspection in Oregon.
You can order Oregon vital records through VitalChek, the state's official online ordering partner. VitalChek has been in operation for more than 35 years and provides secure access to certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from Oregon. You can also call the Orders Hotline at 888-896-4988 or mail a request to the Center for Health Statistics.
Note: Portland's pre-1903 birth and death registers are held at the Portland City Archives, not the Center for Health Statistics.
Search Oregon Genealogy Collections
The Oregon Historical Society Research Library preserves the world's largest collection of Oregon-related materials. Admission to the research library is free. The library holds photographs, oral histories, maps, moving images, books, and manuscripts. Research guides help you explore Oregon genealogy through these collections. Staff can help in person, by phone, or by email at libreference@ohs.org. Archives West provides finding aids for historical materials at libraries and archives across six Western states, including the OHS research library in Portland.
The OHS Digital Collections bring many of these materials online for genealogy researchers. You can view historic photographs, oral history recordings, maps, and documents from home. The Oregon Historical Quarterly archive, manuscript collections, and photograph databases are all part of this digital access.
These online resources make Oregon genealogy research possible from anywhere. The OHS library catalog lets you search for documents, photographs, and other items before a visit. For researchers who cannot travel to Portland, the digital collections provide an important gateway to Oregon family history and genealogy records.
Oregon Genealogical Society
The Oregon Genealogical Society in Eugene maintains a large collection of genealogy materials for Oregon researchers. Though the focus is on Oregon genealogy, the library includes national resources as well. OGS is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This means you can access online records at their library that are not available from home.
The society offers classes with genealogy experts for a small fee. Monthly meetings are open to the public. Special interest groups cover DNA research, writing, and research methods for Oregon genealogy. OGS publishes the Oregon Genealogical Society Quarterly and maintains databases focused on Oregon families and records. Their Eugene location makes it a good stop for genealogy work in Lane County and the southern Willamette Valley. Even non-members can visit during open hours to use the Oregon genealogy collection.
Oregon Genealogy and Public Records
Oregon's public records law supports genealogy research across the state. Under ORS Chapter 192, every person has the right to inspect public records held by any public body in Oregon. This law covers court records, land records, deed records, and other documents at state and county offices. Custodians must provide reasonable access during business hours. Certified copies are available on request, and fees must match actual costs.
The Oregon Judicial Department maintains court records that can help with genealogy research. These include probate files, adoption records, and civil case files held at county courthouses. The Oregon State Bar provides guides to help you understand legal records often used in Oregon genealogy work. The Oregon Historical Newspapers project at the University of Oregon offers searchable access to newspapers dating back to the 1840s. Obituaries, marriage notices, and birth announcements in these papers add rich detail to Oregon genealogy research.
Note: Some records such as adoption files and juvenile records have restricted access under Oregon law, even when they are more than 25 years old.
National Archives Oregon Genealogy
The National Archives and Records Administration holds federal records useful for Oregon genealogy. These include census records, military service records, immigration records, land entry case files, and naturalization records for Oregon residents.
For Oregon specifically, NARA holds territorial records, homestead records, and records of federal agencies that operated in the state. The Pacific Alaska Region in Seattle keeps naturalization records for Oregon district courts, Chinese Exclusion Act case files, and Bureau of Indian Affairs records for Oregon tribes. Many digitized records are free on the NARA website. The Oregon State Archives military records collection adds state-level records for Oregon genealogy, including World War I and World War II veterans' bonus applications and Oregon National Guard records.
Oregon State Library Genealogy
The Oregon State Library in Salem has partnered with the Willamette Valley Genealogical Society to maintain a Genealogical Resource Center for Oregon researchers.
The library provides access to federal census records, Oregon newspapers on microfilm, city directories, and other genealogy materials. It serves as a Federal Depository Library with military records, land records, and immigration records available for Oregon genealogy research. The Oregon State Cemetery Association can help locate burial records across the state, which often provide birth and death dates and family connections for genealogy work. Contact the Oregon State Library at 250 Winter St NE, Salem, OR 97301 or call (503) 378-4243 for more on their Oregon genealogy resources.
Browse Oregon Genealogy by County
Each of Oregon's 36 counties maintains its own genealogy records through the county clerk and local historical societies. Pick a county below to find local resources for genealogy research in that area.
Oregon City Genealogy Records
Major Oregon cities have their own genealogy resources, including city archives, historical societies, and local libraries. Select a city below to find genealogy records and research help in that area.