Cambria County Birth Records and Vital Statistics

Cambria County birth records are held by multiple offices depending on the year of birth. Researchers searching for Cambria County birth records will find pre-1906 certificates at the Register of Wills, while more recent births are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Obtaining Cambria County birth records requires knowing the approximate birth year, as this determines which agency to contact. This guide covers the key offices, historical context, and online resources available for birth record searches in Cambria County.

Cambria County Register of Wills Office

The Cambria County Register of Wills is located at 200 S Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931. The office can be reached by phone at 814-472-5110. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This is the primary office for pre-statewide birth records in Cambria County.

Birth records from 1893 through 1905 are held at the Register of Wills. These early Cambria County birth records were compiled by local tax assessors and submitted to the county. They were recorded some months after the actual birth event, which is important to keep in mind when evaluating record accuracy. The Register of Wills also maintains marriage records dating back to 1885, which can be a useful companion resource for family history research.

Delayed birth certificates for Cambria County cover the period from 1941 to 1971. These delayed records were created for individuals whose births were not registered at the time of occurrence. They often relied on secondary evidence such as baptismal records, school records, or affidavits from family members. Researchers should contact the office directly to confirm availability and request procedures before visiting in person.

Note: The Cambria County Register of Wills office processes requests in the order received and recommends calling ahead to confirm current procedures for older records.

Cambria County Historical Birth Records Context

Cambria County was formed in 1804 from parts of Huntingdon and Somerset counties. The county's birth record history reflects broader patterns in Pennsylvania vital statistics law. Systematic registration of births in Cambria County did not begin until the state required local tax assessors to collect birth information starting in 1893. Before that date, no centralized birth registration existed for Cambria County.

Johnstown, the largest city in Cambria County, is perhaps best known for the catastrophic 1889 flood that killed more than 2,200 people. That disaster significantly disrupted local records and family histories across the region. Researchers looking for Cambria County birth records from the late nineteenth century should be aware that some documents may be incomplete or missing due to this event and its aftermath.

The Cambria County Genealogy website at camgenpa.com is a valuable community resource. Local genealogists have indexed many Cambria County birth records and made them searchable online at no charge. PA-Roots also hosts transcriptions of Cambria County birth data that can be a useful starting point for research before making a formal records request.

Note: Birth records from before 1893 in Cambria County must be sought through church registers, cemetery records, or newspaper announcements, as no official civil registration existed.

Cameron County Courthouse and Birth Records Process

Cameron County is a neighboring Pennsylvania county with a similar birth records process worth understanding for regional researchers. The image below shows the Cameron County courthouse, which like Cambria County, processes vital records requests through a Register of Wills office at the county level.

Understanding how neighboring county offices operate helps researchers who may have ancestors moving between Cambria and Cameron counties. Both counties followed the same Pennsylvania vital records registration framework from 1893 onward, meaning records formats and retention practices are similar. When researching families in this part of central Pennsylvania, checking neighboring county archives often yields useful supporting evidence.

Cambria County Birth Records After 1906 - State Vital Records

For births occurring in 1906 or later, Cambria County birth records are held by the Pennsylvania Department of Health rather than the county. The state took over centralized birth registration beginning in 1906, creating a more uniform system across all Pennsylvania counties including Cambria County.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health issues certified copies of birth certificates through its Division of Vital Records. The standard fee is $20 per certified copy. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Online requests through VitalChek carry an additional processing fee of $10. The state portal at pa.gov provides full application instructions and required identification documents.

Under Pennsylvania's 105-year public access rule, birth records from 1906 onward become part of the public record 105 years after the date of birth. This rule is codified under 35 P.S. section 450.801. Records newer than 105 years require proof of direct interest, such as being the registrant or an immediate family member.

How to Request Cambria County Birth Records

Requesting Cambria County birth records depends on the time period. For records from 1893 to 1905, contact the Register of Wills in Ebensburg directly. Bring or provide the full name at birth, approximate birth year, and parents' names if known. Delayed birth certificates from 1941 to 1971 are also held at the county office.

For births from 1906 onward, submit a request to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Applications require a government-issued photo ID and documentation demonstrating eligibility. The standard processing time varies but expedited service is available through VitalChek for an additional fee. Mail requests should be sent to the Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103.

• Pre-1906 records: Cambria County Register of Wills, Ebensburg
• 1906-present: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
• Delayed birth certificates (1941-1971): Cambria County Register of Wills
• Online searches: Cambria County Genealogy site and PA-Roots
• Historical indexes: PA State Archives Birth Indices

The Pennsylvania State Archives also holds vital statistics records that supplement county holdings. For genealogical research, the PA DOH Genealogy page provides guidance specific to historical records requests.

Cambria County Birth Records and Genealogy Research

Genealogy research using Cambria County birth records can be rich and rewarding. The county's mining and industrial heritage brought immigrants from across Europe in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Many families have roots in Welsh, Irish, German, Italian, and Eastern European communities that settled in Cambria County during this era. Birth records often capture ethnic naming patterns and parental origins that can open new research avenues.

The Pennsylvania Birth Indices hosted by the State Archives cover select years and can be searched online for free. These indices provide names, dates, and counties of birth, allowing researchers to confirm a record exists before paying for a certified copy. The Ancestry Pennsylvania birth records collection also includes digitized Cambria County data for various periods.

PA-Roots and USGenWeb Pennsylvania both maintain free transcription databases. These community-contributed indexes include Cambria County birth data submitted by volunteer genealogists. They are not complete but provide a useful starting point. Cross-referencing multiple sources is always recommended when building family history documentation from Cambria County records.

Note: When using online indexes for Cambria County birth records, always verify the original document when possible, as transcription errors can occur in volunteer databases.

Cities in Cambria County

Cambria County includes several cities and boroughs where birth records may reference specific localities.

Nearby Counties

Birth records research in Cambria County often extends into neighboring counties where related families may have lived.