Genealogy / Vital Events   Visual Records   Textual Records  Time Machine  Research Visit

Moving Images   Sound Recordings   Cartographic Records   Library   How Do I?

Overview

Welcome to the British Columbia Archives' Vital Events Indexes page, which contains summary information on historical births, deaths and marriages that were submitted to Vital Statistics Registrars and registered by the Chief Executive Officer.

This information resource was developed in cooperation with the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency and the assistance of several genealogical societies. Additional resources of interest to genealogists are listed on the main Genealogy page. There are also additional on-line indexes that have been added over time:

• World War Two Overseas Casualties: The new release of death registrations includes four new reels containing World War Two overseas casualties covering the years 1940 to 1945. The 3,423 names appear in the updated deaths index. See the Frequently Asked Questions topic on this for details on searching and ordering film for these records.
• Colonial Marriages (1859 to 1872): The Colonial Marriage index contains summarized information from certified copies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia pre-confederation marriage records submitted to the Colonial Secretary by clergy, 1859 to 1872.
• Baptisms (120 years old and older): The Baptisms index contains information from microfilms of baptismal registries submitted to the Vital Statistics Agency covering the years 1836 to 1885; however, only information older than 120 years can be released. There is no access to the microfilm rolls, those interested in viewing original entries are referred to the appropriate Church as identified on the record.

This on-line information resource allows researchers to:

• Search the on-line indexes for summaries of historical birth, marriage, death registrations, and colonial marriage, and baptism records.
  (Please note: registrations available are of limited release dates for British Columbia only.)
• View and note the necessary index information (such as microfilm reel number, registration number, name) in order to access the actual birth, marriage or death registration records.
• Review the list of Frequently Asked Questions summarized at the bottom of this page.

To view or access the actual registration records, researchers may do one of the following:

• Visit one of various agencies holding microfilm copies in person. These agencies are located throughout the province and the world. The BC Archives also has a copy of the microfilm rolls for use in its reference room.
• Write to the BC Archives to request a copy of a registration record. Please see the information on the specific citation package.
• Hire an Independent Research Agent to visit an agency having a copy of the microfilm.

If you require additional assistance:

• First review the list of Frequently Asked Questions summarized at the bottom of this page.
• If you are unable to do the work yourself, consider contacting a search agent on the Independent Research Agent Register who can visit the BC Archives on your behalf. Please note: Listing in this register does not constitute accreditation by the BC Archives. Any agreement for research must be between you and the search agent solely.
• The British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency  maintains the official record of births, marriages, and deaths and may be able to assist in locating a registration through other means, for a fee.
• The Genealogy page provides information about other records held by the BC Archives that may be of interest to genealogists.

Searching the On-Line Vital Event Indexes

The British Columbia Vital Event indexes contain index information to historical birth, marriage, and death registrations for British Columbia, but not the actual registrations, and are being made available for the purposes of research. See Also: Updates and New Releases to On-line Indexes.

Search using any of the following:

• Basic Search on The Births Registration Index: 1872 to 1903, events up to 1903 (see note).
• Basic Search on The Marriage Registration Index: 1872 to 1932, events over 75 years old.
• Basic Search on The Death Registration Index: 1872 to 1987, events over 20 years old.
• Basic Search on The Colonial Marriage Index: 1859 to 1872.
• Basic Search on The Baptisms Index: events over 120 years old.
  

  ---

• Basic Search on All Vital Event Indexes (results are kept separate for each index)
• Advanced Search (for detailed or in-depth research requiring the most search options)

If you cannot locate a registration for an event which you are certain occurred in British Columbia within the years of the index, try another search using less specific criteria (e.g. try the partial match function on a surname). Each event database is supplemented with a help file containing specific instructions and hints for searching.

Registration Records

The British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency is responsible for the registration of births, marriages, and deaths in British Columbia. These registrations began in 1872 after British Columbia became a province of Canada, but do include some events which took place prior to 1872 but were registered later. Birth, marriage, and death registrations contain valuable information for research in genealogy, family history, social history, sociology, and demography.

The information recorded on registration documents has varied over the years. Historical marriage registrations may show the age and birth place of the bride and groom, information about their parents, the occupation of the bride and groom, and the signatures of the couple and the witnesses. Historical death registrations may contain the decedent's occupation and medical information relating to the cause of death.

• view sample birth registration record  
• view sample marriage registration record  PNG format, PDF format  (PDF), or TIFF format
• view sample death registration record  PNG format, PDF format  (PDF), or TIFF format

Microfilm Copies

Copies of original registration documents are available on microfilm at various locations throughout the province and the world.  The British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency maintains a list of agencies holding microfilm copies which may be accessed by the public (these agencies include public libraries, genealogical societies, and university and community college libraries). Microfilm copies of registrations may also be viewed through local Family History Centres of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Partial or complete sets of microfilm may be purchased from the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency.  Address inquiries to HLTH.VSGene@gems3.gov.bc.ca.

In Victoria, users of the BC Archives may view microfilm copies of registrations in the reference room. Users may make self-serve copies of registrations for a reproduction fee. Please consult a reference archivist about printing copies from microfilm.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Vital Event Records Questions About Searching The Indexes Why are only historical vital event records accessible? Why is the date range for each index different? Why can't I find a name in the on-line vital event indices? Is it possible that the vital event I am looking for was never registered? What about Aboriginal names in the vital event indices? Why is "unknown" listed for some of the surnames or given names in the vital event indices? Why do some vital event index listings have records without microfilm numbers? Why are some vital event registration records listed twice in the indices? Why are some vital events listed that occurred outside of BC? Are there errors in the on-line index? If I find one, whom should I contact? Questions About The Records How can I view or get copies of a birth, death or marriage registration records for British Columbia? How can I get a copy of a birth, death or marriage registration that has not yet been released publicly? Are certificates the same as vital event registrations? How can I get birth, death and marriage certificates for British Columbia? Where can I get a copy of a vital event registration certified? Can I get adoption records at the BC Archives? Where can I buy copies of the microfilmed index and registration records? Where can I find information about vital event records in other provinces?

Inquiries:	Inquiries related to archival holdings, specific records, access, research, or reproduction orders may be submitted via electronic form or Email, as well as by mail or fax.
Home Page:	http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca	This Page:	http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/textual/governmt/vstats/v_events.htm
Last Modified:	Friday, 29-Feb-2008 14:07:35 PST	Maintained by:	webmaster@www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca
Copyright:	Information on this site is provided for research purposes only. Please review Access and Usage.  Unless indicated otherwise, this page and all contents are Copyright ©, BC Archives, Royal BC Museum.
Records Classification: This site is classified and scheduled under ORCS 15100-25