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Genealogy

Genealogy

Welcome!

The Berks County Register of Wills is excited to announce the launch of a new program that makes researching estates more convenient than ever. 

Our website now offers online access to estate files from 1995 to the present. You can conveniently research and explore these records right from your own device. 

Key Features:  

    • Self-Service Research - Access estate records online anytime, without needing to visit the office in person.
    • Flexible Payment Options - Choose to pay per page as you go or set up an escrow account for added convenience.
    • Secure & Efficient - Your personal account keeps your research organized and easily accessible.

This program is designed to make estate research easier, faster, and more accessible to our community. We look forward to offering this new level of service and convenience to our customers. 

Please Note: Viewing files online is free. If you choose to download, there is a $0.50 per page fee plus a $3.00 transaction fee. 

Below you will find a list of the types of records we have in the office, and what information you can expect to find in them. For the genealogist, these are rich resources for you to explore

The data you are searching on this site consists of over 1,000,000 records held by the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans' Court offices in the Berks County Services Center (Courthouse). The indexes were compiled by the staff of these offices and volunteers over a period of eight (8) years. The records were typed either from the indexes themselves or, for those records not indexed, from the actual documents.

1. Select 1992–Present, which will redirect you to the search portal login page.
2. Choose one of the following options: Create an Account (recommended for frequent users) or Log in as a Guest (no registration required). Review and accept the Terms and Conditions to continue.
3. Once on the main search page, select “Search Public Records.” Use the search fields to look up estate information by name, case number, or date.
4. Click on the correct record to open the case details.
5. In the case record, select the “Document” tab and click on the blue hyperlink for the document you want to view. When the document loads, click “Save Image” (top right corner). This will add the document to your Print Queue.
6. Repeat as needed for any additional documents.
7. When ready to download: Click the yellow “Print Queue” tab at the top of the page. Follow the on-screen instructions to review your selections and complete payment.

Historical Records (Prior to 1992) Estate files dated before 1992 are not available online and you must contact our office directly.
** You can also mail a request to our office with a check or money order made payable to "Register of Wills".
Search Our Records (1992-Present)
Search Our Records (up to 1991)
    1. Marriage Records (County of Berks-1885 thru present)- You will receive a copy of the actual marriage listing:
      • Name, age, address, birth date, birthplace, occupation, and previous marriage information for each applicant
      • Name, residence, occupation, and birthplace of each applicant's parents
      • Date and place of marriage including name, title and address of officiant
    2. Marriage Records (City of Reading-1876-1884)
      • Name, age, occupation, residence, and birthplace of each applicant
      • Date, place, and officiant of marriage ceremony
    3. Birth Records (County of Berks- 1894-1906)
      • Name, year recorded, place of birth, parents' names, father's occupation
    4. Birth Records (City of Reading- 1876-1906)
      • Name, date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, father's occupation, physician/midwife's name
    5. Death Records (County of Berks- 1894-1906)
      • Name, occupation, age, year recorded, place of death, cause of death, date of burial, place of burial, marital status, parents' names
    6. Death Records (City of Reading- 1873-1905)
      • Name, occupation, age, date of death, cause of death, place of birth, residence, date of burial, place of burial, parents' names, attending physician, other informant
    7. Estate Records (County of Berks- 1752 thru present)
      • Includes orphans' court records; can contain estates (both with or without wills), inventories, accounts, guardianships, or any other type of miscellaneous file ordered to this division of the courts