Bakersfield Genealogy Research

Bakersfield genealogy records are handled through Kern County systems as California's ninth largest city and Kern County seat. Over 400,000 people call Bakersfield home, creating extensive genealogy resources through county offices, the Beale Memorial Library, and local historical organizations. Vital records for births, deaths, and marriages occurring in Bakersfield are maintained by the Kern County Assessor-Recorder office downtown. The city's oil industry heritage and agricultural roots draw researchers tracing families who moved to California's Central Valley for work from the 1860s through today. Start searching Bakersfield genealogy records at the county level, then expand to library collections, newspapers, and specialized archives for complete family histories spanning multiple generations.

Kern County Vital Records Office

All Bakersfield vital records go through Kern County offices located downtown. The Assessor-Recorder handles birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for events in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. Their office sits at 1115 Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, making it easy for local researchers to visit in person.

Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars per copy. Death records run twenty six dollars. Marriage certificates are nineteen dollars as of 2026 fee updates. These prices match statewide rates set by California law. The county can search records by name if you lack exact dates or other details for your Bakersfield ancestors.

Kern County maintains vital records dating back to county formation in 1866. Some earlier records exist from when this area was part of Los Angeles and Tulare counties. Staff can guide you to the right location if pre-1866 records are needed. Most genealogy requests focus on records from 1905 forward when statewide recording began in California.

Processing times for Bakersfield records depend on your request method. Walk in service often provides same day results if records are readily accessible. Mail requests take one to two weeks. Online orders through third party vendors add convenience fees but include tracking. Call 661-868-3585 before visiting to confirm current hours and accepted payment methods.

Records created before 1905 may have gaps. California did not require vital event registration until 1915. Some Bakersfield families registered births and deaths voluntarily between 1905 and 1915. Others never filed until legal requirements took effect. If county searches come up empty, try church records, cemetery logs, and newspaper archives as alternate sources.

Beale Memorial Library Genealogy Center

The Beale Memorial Library serves as Kern County's main public library with strong genealogy collections. Located at 701 Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield, the library maintains local history materials, genealogy reference books, and database access for family researchers.

Ancestry Library Edition is available on library computers. This subscription database includes California census records, vital record indexes, city directories, and military records. Use it free at the library since home access requires paid subscriptions. The library also subscribes to newspaper databases with searchable Bakersfield content.

Bakersfield city directories from the early 1900s forward help track families. These annual publications list residents by name and address, plus business owners by type. Directories fill gaps between census years and confirm addresses when other records lack location details. The library has both original directories and microfilm copies.

The California Room at Beale Library houses local history materials including photographs, maps, and documents. Staff can guide you to resources about Bakersfield neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses your ancestors may have known. Special collections include materials about the oil boom, agricultural development, and Dust Bowl migration.

Kern County Historical Archives

The Kern County Museum complex includes historical archives with genealogy resources. Located at 3801 Chester Avenue, the museum preserves documents, photographs, and artifacts from Bakersfield's past. Their archives accept research appointments for genealogists seeking family information.

Collections include school records, business papers, organization files, and personal collections donated by Bakersfield families. While not a substitute for official vital records, these materials add context and detail to family stories. Photographs may show ancestors in community events, at work, or with family groups.

The museum's Pioneer Village displays historic buildings moved from around Kern County. While primarily educational rather than research focused, staff connections to local history can help genealogists identify resources or connect with other researchers working on Bakersfield family lines.

Kern County Genealogical Society meets at the museum and maintains research files there. Society members share resources and expertise about local research. Membership provides access to surname files, cemetery indexes, and newsletters featuring family histories. Monthly meetings offer networking opportunities with experienced researchers.

Bakersfield Newspaper Archives

The Bakersfield Californian has published since 1866. This newspaper documents births, deaths, marriages, and community news across generations. Obituaries provide family details often missing from death certificates. Wedding announcements name parents and bridal parties. Birth notices appear in older issues.

The California Digital Newspaper Collection includes digitized Bakersfield papers. Search by name and date to find mentions of your ancestors. Even small news items about accidents, arrests, property sales, or social events place people in time and location. These context clues help verify relationships and reconstruct life stories.

Microfilm copies of Bakersfield newspapers are held at Beale Library and the Kern County Museum. If online databases lack the years you need, visit these facilities to search physical archives. Staff can show you how to use microfilm readers and may have indexes to speed your searches.

Online Genealogy Databases

FamilySearch offers free California vital record indexes covering Bakersfield residents. The California Birth Index includes entries from 1905 to 1995. Death indexes span 1905 to 1939. Search by name to confirm records exist before ordering certificates from Kern County offices.

Census records track Bakersfield families over decades. Federal census from 1860, 1870, 1880 through 1950 list household members with ages, birthplaces, and occupations. The 1852 California state census covers some early settlers. Census data helps confirm family structures and track migration patterns.

The Online Archive of California connects researchers with finding aids for collections at libraries and museums. Search for Bakersfield or Kern County to discover what materials exist at various institutions. Some collections include digitized content you can view online. Others require in person visits to access.

California death certificates from 1940 to 1997 are available through various online vendors. These provide full details including birthplace, parents' names, and cause of death. While not free, they offer convenience for researchers unable to visit California in person.

Bakersfield Cemetery Records

Union Cemetery on Fairfax Road has burials from 1862. This public cemetery holds remains of pioneer families and longtime Bakersfield residents. Gravestones provide birth and death dates plus family groupings. Some markers list multiple family members buried in the same plot.

Find A Grave has photographed thousands of Union Cemetery headstones. Search this free website by name to view graves without visiting in person. Volunteers continue adding photos and transcriptions. You can request a photo if your ancestor's stone is not yet documented online.

Greenlawn Southwest Cemetery serves as another major Bakersfield burial ground. This facility has records from the mid-twentieth century forward. Contact the cemetery office for information about specific burials including plot locations and internment dates.

Jewish Cemetery on Panorama Drive and various Catholic cemeteries serve specific communities. Each maintains its own records separate from public systems. Contact facilities directly if your ancestors belonged to these faith communities.

Note: Cemetery records supplement but do not replace death certificates from county offices.

Bakersfield Family History Tips

Start with recent generations and work backward. Document what you know before searching for distant ancestors. This builds context and prevents confusion when common names appear in records.

Visit county offices for vital records. Kern County Assessor-Recorder processes all Bakersfield birth, death, and marriage certificates. Bring photo ID and know approximate dates if exact information is unavailable. Staff can search databases by name within date ranges.

Check multiple sources to verify facts. Cross reference vital records with census data, city directories, and newspaper articles. Conflicting information between sources may reveal errors or uncover maiden names and previous marriages.

The Dust Bowl migration brought thousands to Bakersfield in the 1930s. If your family came from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, or Missouri during this period, research their origins before California. Many families maintained ties to home states and may be documented in both locations.

Oil industry employment records may exist for ancestors who worked in Kern County fields. Some companies donated records to historical societies or museums. Business directories and union records also document oil workers. These sources add employment context to family histories.

Nearby Research Locations

Bakersfield anchors the southern San Joaquin Valley with several smaller cities nearby. Delano lies north of Bakersfield. Shafter sits to the northwest. Families often moved between these communities following agricultural and oil work.

All Kern County cities use the same recorder office in Bakersfield. You do not need to visit multiple locations for vital records. The downtown office serves the entire county equally.