Stratford Death Records and Obituary Archives
Stratford obituary records are public documents you can access. The Town Clerk maintains them. This Connecticut town sits in Fairfield County. Stratford has served the community since 1639. The office preserves death certificates and burial records. Stratford residents may request copies. Genealogists use these records for research. Legal professionals need them for cases. The town serves over 53,000 people.
Stratford Vital Records Quick Facts
Stratford Town Clerk Obituary Records Office
The Town Clerk is your source for obituary records. The office sits at 2725 Main Street in Stratford. This location serves all Stratford residents. The staff maintains accurate records of every death in Stratford. They process requests for obituary records quickly. The Stratford office works hard to serve the community. They understand these documents matter to Stratford families.
Call (203) 385-4020 with questions about obituary records. The fax number is (203) 385-4005. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office closes on state holidays. Plan your visit to Stratford during these hours. Staff will help you find the records you need. They treat every request with care.
The Town Clerk keeps records for all vital events in Stratford. This includes births, marriages, and deaths. Stratford obituary records form a key part of this collection. The office follows state guidelines for record access in Stratford. They provide certified copies upon request. You can also view records for research purposes.
Stratford Obituary Records Available
This community maintains several types of death-related documents. Each serves a different purpose in Stratford. Understanding these types helps you request the right obituary records.
Certified copies are the most common request in Stratford. These bear the official town seal. They serve as legal proof of death. Banks require them. Insurance companies require them. Certified Stratford death records cost $20 per copy. Each copy is valid for all legal purposes.
Uncertified copies cost less but lack legal standing. Researchers often use these for genealogy work in Stratford. They contain the same information as certified copies. The difference is the official seal. Uncertified death documents work well for family history projects in Stratford.
Burial permits are another record type. These document permission to bury a deceased person in Stratford. Funeral homes typically handle these. However, older burial permits exist in Stratford archives. They provide valuable information about cemetery locations. They also show funeral practices from past decades.
How to Request Stratford Death Records
You have several options for obtaining obituary records. Each method suits different situations. Choose the approach that works best for your needs.
In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit the Town Clerk at 2725 Main Street. Bring valid photo identification. Staff can often provide same-day service. This is ideal for urgent needs. Walk-in hours match office hours in Stratford. Arrive early for the shortest wait times.
Mail requests work well for non-urgent needs. Send a written request to the Stratford Town Clerk. Include the full name of the deceased. Provide the date of death if known. Include a check or money order for $20 per copy. Allow two weeks for processing mailed requests.
Phone inquiries can answer questions about Stratford records. Call (203) 385-4020 during business hours. Staff can verify record availability. They can explain the request process. However, you cannot order records by phone alone. You must complete a written request form.
Stratford Obituary Records for Family History
Genealogists find this community a rich research destination. The town dates to 1639. This long Stratford history creates deep archives. Obituary records help trace family lines through centuries. Many families have lived in Stratford for generations.
Colonial records exist for some families. Early settlers created the foundation of these archives. Death records from the 1600s and 1700s survive in various forms. The Town Clerk can guide you to these historical documents. They know where old Stratford records stay.
The Library partners with the Town Clerk for genealogy research. Their local history room contains additional resources. Old newspapers provide obituary notices for Stratford families. Cemetery records complement official death certificates. Together these sources build complete family stories.
Connecticut genealogical societies offer additional help. Members gain expanded access to records. They can view documents not yet public. Consider joining a society for serious Stratford research. The Connecticut State Library also holds statewide indexes.
Fairfield County Obituary Records Resources
Stratford sits within Fairfield County. The county offers additional resources for death record research. Understanding these options expands your search capabilities.
The Connecticut State Vital Records Office maintains copies of all Stratford deaths. They hold records from 1897 to present. This office is in Hartford. You can request local records from them. Their fees match town clerk fees.
Nearby towns in Fairfield County also hold records. Deaths in Bridgeport, Milford, or Trumbull stay in those towns. Each maintains separate archives. Make sure you know the correct town before requesting Stratford records. This saves time and avoids confusion.
Online databases provide helpful indexes. The Connecticut Death Index covers 1897 through 2001. It contains over 2 million entries. Search this free database at data.ct.gov. Find names and dates before ordering official copies.
Nearby Cities with Obituary Records
Fairfield County contains many towns with death record archives. These neighboring communities maintain their own obituary records. You may need to check multiple locations for complete family research.