Monroe County Genealogy Records
Monroe County genealogy records are available at the county health department, the Monroe County Clerk's Office, and the Monroe County History Center, all in Bloomington, Indiana. Birth and death records at the county level go back to 1882, and the Monroe County History Center holds land records, marriage records, probate records, and court records going back to 1818, the year the county was established. With Indiana University also in Bloomington, Monroe County is a well-resourced environment for genealogy research in south-central Indiana.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Health Department Vital Records
The Monroe County Health Department at 119 West Seventh Street, Bloomington, IN 47402 is the local source for certified birth and death records. You can reach the office at (812) 349-2543. The genealogy request fee at the Monroe County Health Department is $15. County-level vital records run from 1882, covering the period before Indiana required statewide birth registration in 1907 and statewide death registration in 1900.
State rules apply to genealogy access. The individual named on the record must be deceased and over 75 years old, or you must provide proof of a direct family relationship. Staff at the Bloomington office can walk you through what documentation is needed and how to submit a request. The health department's information is also listed on the Monroe County health department page.
The Monroe County Health Department page is shown below:
The Monroe County Health Department in Bloomington handles birth and death certificate requests for genealogy research throughout Monroe County.
The health department at 119 W. Seventh Street processes genealogy requests during regular business hours, with a $15 fee for genealogy-related vital records.
| Address | 119 West Seventh Street, Bloomington, IN 47402 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (812) 349-2543 |
| Genealogy Request Fee | $15 |
| Records Available From | 1882 to present |
| Website | co.monroe.in.us/department/?f=health-department |
Monroe County Clerk Records
The Monroe County Clerk's Office in Bloomington can be reached at 812-349-2610. The clerk holds marriage records, court records, probate filings, and other civil documents for genealogy research. Marriage records at the clerk's office go back to the county's founding in 1818, giving researchers access to more than 200 years of Monroe County marriage data. Probate records from the clerk's office are especially useful for genealogy, naming heirs and beneficiaries and describing estate property in ways that confirm family relationships.
Under Indiana Code 5-14-3, court and land records held at the clerk's office are generally public and available for inspection. Under IC 5-14-3-4, records classified as confidential become open after 75 years, which means many older Monroe County records that were once restricted are now available to genealogy researchers.
Monroe County History Center
The Monroe County History Center at 202 E 6th St, Bloomington, phone 812-332-2517 ext. 5, is one of the best local genealogy resources in south-central Indiana. Their website is at monroehistory.org/library/. The History Center holds land records, marriage records, probate records, and court records covering Monroe County from 1818 through the mid-1950s. This is a remarkable depth of coverage for a local historical society, and it makes the History Center an important stop for any serious Monroe County genealogy project.
The History Center also offers distance research services. If you cannot visit Bloomington in person, staff can conduct research on your behalf at a rate of $10 per hour with a $10 minimum charge. This service is useful for out-of-state researchers who need specific records located and copied without making a trip to Monroe County. Contact the History Center directly to inquire about the scope of their collection and how to submit a distance research request.
Note: The Monroe County History Center's collection runs from 1818 to roughly the mid-1950s, so for more recent genealogy records you will need to contact the county health department or clerk's office directly.
Monroe County Public Library Genealogy Resources
The Monroe County Public Library at mcpl.info/indiana is an additional genealogy resource in Bloomington. The library's Indiana collection includes local history materials, newspaper archives, and genealogy databases that can support Monroe County family history research. For researchers who want to use online tools before visiting the courthouse or History Center, the library's website is a good starting point.
The Monroe County Public Library Indiana collection is shown below:
The Monroe County Public Library's Indiana collection provides genealogy resources, local history materials, and research databases useful for Monroe County family history searches.
The library's Indiana collection includes digitized local newspapers and genealogy databases that can be accessed in person at the Bloomington library or through the library's online resources.
State Resources for Monroe County Genealogy
The Indiana Department of Health Vital Records Division at 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, phone (317) 233-2700, holds statewide birth records from 1907 and death records from 1900. The state is a second source for Monroe County events alongside the local health department. The 24/7 toll-free line is (866) 601-0891. Online orders go through VitalChek. State birth certificates are $10 and death certificates are $8.
The Indiana State Library Genealogy Division at 315 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, phone 317-232-3689, holds more than 40,000 family history items. Their Indiana County Research Guides include a guide specific to Monroe County. The Indiana Archives and Records Administration at (317) 591-5220 holds older transferred court records, and the Indiana Historical Society at (317) 232-1882 holds manuscripts and photographs relevant to south-central Indiana counties. The Indiana Genealogical Society and FamilySearch at familysearch.org are free online tools for Monroe County research.
The Indiana State Library genealogy portal is shown below:
The Indiana State Library Genealogy Division provides county research guides and family history collections that support Monroe County genealogy from 1818 forward.
The library's county research guide for Monroe County is a useful planning tool before visiting the History Center, health department, or clerk's office in Bloomington.
Cities in Monroe County
Bloomington is the county seat and by far the largest city in Monroe County. It meets the population threshold and has its own city genealogy page. All vital records for Bloomington and other Monroe County communities are filed at the county health department and clerk's offices.
Nearby Counties
Monroe County is in south-central Indiana. Neighboring counties may hold genealogy records for families who lived near the county borders.