Ohio 1954-1970 Death Records Move to Reading Room Kiosks
Archive News · Ohio death records
Since July 1, 2026, the Archives & Library of the Ohio History Connection in Columbus has offered its 1954-1970 death records digitally only on reference kiosks in the Reading Room. Staff no longer take orders, make copies or search any vital records collection for patrons.
What changed
The archive holds Ohio Department of Health death certificates from December 20, 1908, through 1970. Its free online Ohio Death Record Index covers 1913-1944 and 1954-1970, so you can still confirm that a certificate exists from home. Viewing a 1954-1970 certificate now requires a visit to the Reading Room, and the archive no longer sends copies by mail.
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Why it matters for Polish-American research
Many children of Polish immigrants in Cleveland, Toledo and other Ohio cities died between 1954 and 1970. Their death certificates can name both parents, including the mother’s maiden name, and sometimes a birthplace for a parent. Those details often lead back to the immigrant generation.
What you can do now
- Search the Ohio Death Record Index first and note the certificate details.
- For deaths from 1908 to 1953, most certificates are digitized on FamilySearch, free with an account.
- For a certified copy, the archive refers you to the health department of the Ohio county where the death occurred.
- If you cannot travel to Columbus, plan a visit or ask someone who can use the Reading Room kiosks.
Sources and research tools
- Ohio History Connection: Vital Records at the Archives & Library
- Ohio History Connection: Death Records
How we can help
When a change opens a new record for your family, we can fold it into a research project: we order or read the record, compare it with your other documents and follow the trail to the parish in Poland. See the research projects for scope and prices.
