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Sussex County, Delaware Genealogy

Societies and Family History Resources ∣ County Courthouse and Government Records ∣ County Genealogy Links

Sussex County was established on August 8, 1673 as an Original County (originally named Whorekill or Hoarkill, renamed 1681 to Deale or New Deal, renamed to Sussex in 1682). The county was named by William Penn for the English county of Sussex, which was his home county.

The Sussex County Seat is situated in Georgetown and the county government website is http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/

Areas neighboring Sussex County are Kent County, Cape May County, New Jersey, Worcester County, Maryland, Dorchester County, Maryland, Wicomico County, Maryland, Caroline County, Maryland.

Sussex County vital records can be found at the Delaware Office of Vital Records which has copies of birth, marriage, divorce and death records. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Delaware for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Sussex County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Delaware Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate Application to mail. Same day service is available to walk-in customers. This is the fastest way to obtain a birth certificate. Walk-in address is Adams State Service Center – (302) 856-5495 – Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM Monday through Friday except Holidays.

Sussex County does have Federal Census Schedules to help in researching your family tree. Federal government Population Schedules can be found for 1790-1890, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Sussex Co. Mortality Schedules is available for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Sussex Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be acquired for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Sussex Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be acquired for 1890. There’s free down loadable and printable census forms to aid with your research.

Sussex County Society and Family History Resources

A list of Sussex County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Forums, Message Boards, Libraries, Archives. See Also Delaware Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.

Sussex County Courthouse and Government Records

Genealogist typically overlook the value of Sussex County court, probate, and land files as a source of genealogy and family history details. Buried away in Delaware courthouses and archives everywhere are the desires and worries of countless Delaware people.

The possibilities are excellent that your particular ancestors and forefathers have left a comprehensive document of at least some facets of their lives in the Sussex County court records.

Even if your forefathers is not brought up in a Court case, take into account all of the other procedures which could have lead to him or her showing up in court records.

  • Sussex County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: Administrative Office Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947
    • Phone: 302-855-7055
  • Sussex County Clerk of the Peace functions include Witnessing County documents; attends all formal Levy Court Meetings; records all acts as custodian for the Minutes of the Levy Court Meetings; advertises and posts County ordinances; countersigns warrants drawn on County funds. Issues marriage licenses and performs marriages (civil ceremonies) in the County.
    • Marriage Records: ?
  • Sussex County Register of Wills purpose is to record wills and documents pertaining to estate matters in Sussex County, Delaware. The office is responsible for overseeing the appointments of personal representatives and for administering estate proceedings. This office is also held accountable for making sure that the estates are in compliance with the Delaware Law. All estate matters are maintained as permanent records.
    • Probate Records: 1728
  • Sussex County Register of Deeds is responsible for indexing and maintaining copies of legal documents pertaining to land, mortgages, appointments, etc. Only the most recent deeds are in the office, however. Most have been transferred to the archives.
    • Land Records: 1693

Sussex County Genealogy Links

The following are links to Family history and genealogy, Records and Resources relating to Sussex County. A majority of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a cost. This is merely a list which has been collected or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site above another. Feel free to submit your own preferred Sussex County genealogy or family history related sites.

Sussex Co. DE Books, Newspapers & Publications

Sussex Co. DE Birth, Marriage & Death Records

Sussex Co. DE Court, Probate Land and Tax Records

Sussex Co. DE Census Records

Sussex Co. DE Cemeteries & Church Records

Sussex Co. DE Church & Bible Records

Sussex Co. DE Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Sussex Co. DE General and History Websites

Sussex Co. DE Immigration & Naturalization

Sussex Co. DE Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Sussex Co. DE Military Records

Sussex Co. DE Schools & Directories