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When planning a trip to the Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room, we recommend checking our website or social media platforms to confirm we are open.
The Research Room is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Delaware Public Archives is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays. Walk-ins are welcome during hours of operation.
Researchers who wish to perform research on-site may make an appointment by calling (302) 744-5000 or emailing archives@delaware.gov. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Benefits include:
Delaware Public Archives Portal: Search our collections using the Delaware Public Archives Portal. Once you find a record of interest, you can request a price quote for a copy or email the Research Room with a detailed reference for the item to be pulled prior to your appointment. Learn how to use the Portal and begin your research.
Delaware Library Catalog: Books, published volumes, and periodicals in the holdings of the Delaware Public Archives are indexed in the Delaware Library Catalog. This online resource allows users to search through the collections of many Delaware libraries and research facilities at once. Go to the Delaware Library Catalog.
Heritage Commission Book List: A list of Heritage Commission books available for purchase at the Delaware Public Archives Research Room. If you would like to purchase a book by phone, please call (302) 744-5000. These books are on display in the lobby and are available for purchase with cash, check, or credit card in the Research Room. View the Heritage Commission Books List (PDF, opens in a new tab).
Ask the Archives: Do you have a reference question? Email archives@delaware.gov.
After using our Research Services, please read the information below before placing your request, as it will help you form inquiries for better results.
If you already have exact references and only need a price quote, please email archives@delaware.gov. Exact references must include the information needed to access a record, such as the record type, county, name(s), date of record, volume, page number, and any other identifying details.
Please limit requests to five specific references at one time.
In-Person Fees:
Email and Mail Orders:
Email orders will be delivered digitally, unless otherwise requested or noted by the Reference Archivist. Any order over 50 pages will be delivered digitally. Digital orders are provided via a download link emailed directly.
More Scan, Copy, Microfilm, and A/V fees are listed on the Duplication Fees page.
Research Room staff will undertake searches of indexed births, deaths, and marriages abstracted from many of our holdings. Before 1913, the vital records of Delaware are not complete.
Our files of early births, marriage, and death records have been compiled from family Bibles, newspapers, church records, tombstones, and similar sources. However, our holdings also contain vital records materials that are not indexed and cannot be searched by staff. Please visit our facility to research all available materials.
On July 1, 1913, the State of Delaware established a law requiring the registration of births, deaths, and marriages. The Delaware Public Archives houses birth certificates created since 1913 that are 72 years or older, death certificates older than 40 years, and marriage certificates older than 50 years. This means that we only have birth certificates up through and including 1953, death certificates up through and including 1985, and marriage certificates up through and including 1975.
For certified copies of vital records, email archives@delaware.gov or call (302) 744-5000 and ask to speak with the archivist taking phone calls. For genealogical requests, email archives@delaware.gov.
To obtain vital records issued after the dates above, contact the Office of Vital Statistics. Office of Vital Statistics contact information.
For marriage records, approximate dates must be provided if a specific date is not known.
Certified vital statistics are $25.00 per copy (see fees above).
Fill out the Microfilm/Scanning Order Form (PDF, opens in a new tab), then email, fax, or mail a copy to the Delaware Public Archives. This form is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader for full compatibility.
Please be advised that although we make every attempt to service records the same day you request them, there may be times we are unable to process your request due to preservation or format concerns.
If you are interested in viewing an audio-visual record, please contact the Research Room staff, as arrangements must be made in advance.
To view or request architectural drawings, send a written request stating the need for these records to the attention of our State Archivist (Maegan Peterman, Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North, Dover, DE 19901). A notarized photocopy of a government-issued photo ID (for example, a driver’s license) must accompany the letter. You will then be notified about the availability of the records.
Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 29 Del. C. ch. 100, restricts access to certain public records. This policy applies to state and local government records in any format. The following types of records are generally exempt under FOIA:
FOIA does not apply to records of the General Assembly or Delaware Courts. To submit a FOIA request, please complete the FOIA Request Form.
For additional FOIA information, visit Delaware.gov FOIA resources.
Medical records are considered confidential under Delaware law and are not open to the public, regardless of age. They may only be released to verified next of kin or to someone with a valid court order.
We are unable to perform extensive or genealogical research for patrons. We will search our indexed records for up to five items per request. When you place your request, Research Room staff will perform a search for the record requested, provided all pertinent information is included. If a record is found, staff will reply with the results. To email a request, contact archives@delaware.gov.
Forms: Most Delaware Public Archives forms are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader for full compatibility. If you do not have this software, you can download it for free from Adobe Acrobat Reader. For help, see Adobe Reader support (opens in a new tab).
We want your visit to the Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room to be pleasant and successful. Please review the Rules and Regulations.
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