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Colorado State Archives
Archives FAQs
Records
and Resources Questions
Records
Management Questions
Records Transfer or
Storage Questions
Public Access to
Records Questions
Tours, Workshops
Records
& Resources
Where can I get a copy of a birth or death record? Births and
deaths were not registered with the State of Colorado before the
early 1900's. Therefore, birth and death certificates before that
time do not generally exist. There are other records that document
births or deaths that the Colorado State Archives can assist you in
finding. Please see our
family history page. If you need a birth or death certificate after 1910 please
contact the
Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Statistics and
Vital Records.
What can I find out about an old Colorado business or an old
stock certificate? Records of incorporation, merger and
dissolution for Colorado domestic and foreign corporations can be
searched at the State Archives spanning the years 1861 - 1975. Also
available are annual reports and trademark records. See our
business records site. For records
after 1975, please contact the
Secretary
of State's Office, Commercial Recordings.
Do you have records of divorce? There are statewide indexes
for divorce records covering the years 1890 - 1939
and
1968 to present. For any time not indexed statewide, i.e. pre 1890 and
1940-1968, a researcher must conduct a county by county search of
county indexes. We have a few
indexes on-line. Some counties have deposited indexes and case files
at the Archives, however many have not, choosing instead to retain
them in the court of origin. If a record is in our custody we can
provide information from the case file as well as certified copies
of documents. Please see our
court records page.
I'm doing my family history. What records do you have that
would help me? Generally, it depends on the county in which you
are looking and the time period. We have a few statewide indexes,
but most of the time we must know the county and time period in
which to search as we have different kinds of records for each
county. We have an extensive page describing our
family history resources.
How can I research the legislative history of a Colorado law?
The State Archives has many records which you may use to determine
the intent of a Colorado law. A specific statement of intent is
generally not published for Colorado laws. The researcher must
determine this for herself using the multitude of sources available.
These consist of copies of the bills as originally drafted, as
amended and as passed; audio recordings of committee hearings and
floor debates in the Legislature; legislative summaries of the
committee hearings; and, House and Senate Journals. The legislature
does not transcribe the audio recordings. See our
legislative records page.
How can I find a particular marriage record? There are
statewide marriage indexes covering the
years 1900 - 1939 and
1975 to current. For any time not indexed statewide, a researcher
must conduct a county by county search of county indexes. We have a
few county indexes on-line. Please see
our
marriage
page for links to those. Some
counties have deposited indexes and original marriage certificates
at the Archives, however, many have not, choosing instead to retain
them in the county clerk's office. If a record is in our custody we
can provide information as well as certified copies.
I am trying to get my Pioneer License Plates. What records do
you have that would help me? Although we generally do not have
birth records before 1900, we have many records that document that a
person was in Colorado over 100 years ago. These can range from the
1885 State Census to even such records as Teachers' Lists. The
Censuses are excellent sources for showing when and where people
were living, when and where they were born and their relationships
to one another. A teachers' list would prove that a person was
living in Colorado at a certain time. Please see our
family
history page for more information.
Records
Transfer or Storage
Can you store records for my agency? Yes, if your records
have been identified as of permanent, enduring value to the State,
your request for transfer will be considered. Your agency must be an
agency of Colorado state government or local government. The State
Archives is the only legal repository for records created by State
Agencies if they leave their office of origin. The State Archives does
not accept records of private origin.
Why are some records restricted or closed to
public access? Public access to records is covered by the Colorado
Revised Statutes 24-72-204. Allowance or denial of inspection -
grounds - procedure - appeal. Please see our
laws concerning open
records page.
What is your statutory authority to charge fees
for your services? Please see our
laws concerning open records
page. Fees are covered by
24-80-102 State archives and public records - personnel - duties
- cash fund and
24-72-205 Copies, printouts, or photographs of public records.
Do you offer educational programs concerning the State Archives?
The staff of the State Archives conducts programs upon request. Our
workshops include "How to Use the Archives"; "Records
Management"; "Records Transfer and Storage";
"Micrographics"; and, "Disaster Recovery".
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