County Clerk Archives – New York, NY

New York County Clerk Archives: Division of Old Records

Historical Significance and Collections

The New York County Clerk Archives, officially known as the Division of Old Records, serves as the primary repository for the historical court records of the New York State Supreme Court, Civil Branch, New York County. Located in the historic Surrogate’s Court Building at 31 Chambers Street, this office preserves a vast collection of documents that trace the legal and social history of Manhattan. The division holds records dating back to the colonial era, including files from the Court of Common Pleas (1691–1895) and the Superior Court of the City of New York. These archives are an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, and legal researchers seeking insight into the past.

Available Records and Research

The archives grant public access to a wide variety of legal documents. Key collections include Naturalization Records (1794–1924), which contain petitions and declarations of intention for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship in state courts. The division also maintains Business Records, such as certificates of incorporation and limited partnership agreements dating from the early 19th century. Researchers can access Census Records for New York State from various years (e.g., 1855, 1905, 1915, 1925) and the 1870 Federal Census. The facility provides card indexes and docket books to assist in locating specific case files, judgment rolls, and incompetency records.

• Naturalization Petitions (1794–1924)
• Supreme Court Case Files (1799–1910)
• Historical Business Certificates
• State Census Records

Access and Procedures

The Division of Old Records operates a public reading room (Room 703) where individuals can review physical files and microfilm. Because many of these documents are fragile and irreplaceable, strict handling procedures are enforced. Visitors must undergo security screening upon entering the building. While some indexes are available online or in database format on-site, many searches require manual consultation of physical index cards or liber books. Copies of documents can be obtained for a fee. It is often recommended to contact the office in advance if searching for specific, obscure, or sealed records to ensure availability.

Location

Situated in the civic center of Manhattan, the archives are housed in the Beaux-Arts style Surrogate’s Court, a designated New York City landmark. The location is easily accessible via major subway lines converging at City Hall and Brooklyn Bridge. The office plays a critical role in maintaining the transparency of the judicial system by preserving the “paper trail” of millions of cases that have shaped New York City.