Burbank Family Records Research

Burbank genealogy records are processed through Los Angeles County systems while the city hosts one of California's premier genealogy libraries. With over 105,000 residents and deep roots in the entertainment industry, Burbank offers unique family research opportunities. The Southern California Genealogical Society library sits in Burbank at 417 Irving Drive, providing access to over 40,000 genealogy volumes and databases. All Burbank vital records including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses go through Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder offices. Founded in 1887, Burbank evolved from agricultural community to entertainment capital, creating diverse genealogy research paths for families connected to ranching, aviation, film, television, and other industries that shaped the city across generations.

Los Angeles County Vital Records Office

All Burbank vital records are maintained by Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder offices. The main office sits at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for Burbank residents get filed through this county system regardless of where in Burbank events occurred.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder processes vital record requests for all county residents including Burbank families. Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars. Death records run twenty six dollars. Marriage certificates are nineteen dollars. These fees match statewide rates established by California law.

Los Angeles County maintains records dating back to 1850 when California achieved statehood. Burbank area records before the city's 1911 incorporation are filed under the rancho names or township designations used at the time. County staff can guide you to the right indexes for pre-incorporation Burbank genealogy searches.

Processing times vary by method. Online orders through the county portal take about two weeks. Mail requests can take longer depending on record age and search complexity. In person visits to the Norwalk office may provide same day service if records are readily accessible. Call 562-462-2060 before visiting to confirm current hours and requirements.

Southern California Genealogical Society Library

The Southern California Genealogical Society operates one of the largest genealogy libraries in the western United States. Located at 417 Irving Drive in Burbank, the library holds over 40,000 books, periodicals, microfilms, and digital resources. This facility serves as a primary research destination for Burbank genealogists and researchers throughout Southern California.

Library collections cover California extensively with particular strength in Los Angeles County records. Holdings include city directories, cemetery indexes, church records, military rosters, immigration lists, and published family histories. Staff genealogists provide research assistance and can guide you to resources specific to your Burbank family lines.

Database subscriptions at the SCGS library include Ancestry, FamilySearch, Fold3, and other premium services. Use these resources free while visiting the library. Membership provides additional benefits including classes, newsletters, and access to special collections. Non-members can use the library for a daily research fee.

The library maintains vertical files organized by surname and location. These compilations include newspaper clippings, family group sheets, and correspondence donated by researchers. Your Burbank family may already be documented in these files. Check surname indexes before starting extensive research.

Library hours vary seasonally. Call 818-843-7247 before visiting or check their website for current schedules. The library is closed major holidays and some summer months. Plan research trips accordingly to ensure access.

Burbank Public Library Local History

Burbank Public Library maintains a Local History Room at the Central Library on Glenoaks Boulevard. This collection includes city directories, high school yearbooks, historical photographs, and Burbank newspaper archives. Staff can guide you to materials about neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community organizations your ancestors may have known.

Ancestry Library Edition is available on public computers at Burbank libraries. Search California census records, vital record indexes, and city directories. This subscription database requires in library use since home access is restricted. The library also provides access to newspaper databases with searchable Burbank content.

Burbank Leader newspaper has documented city life since 1901. The library has issues on microfilm and some digitized editions online. Obituaries provide family details not found in death certificates. Wedding announcements name both families. Social columns mention community activities and family events that place ancestors in context.

Burbank Historical Society Archives

The Burbank Historical Society preserves materials related to city history including family papers, business records, and photograph collections. While focused on community history rather than individual genealogy, their archives may contain information about your Burbank ancestors, especially if they were prominent in local business or civic affairs.

Gordon R. Howard Museum serves as society headquarters with exhibits about Burbank's development from agricultural community to entertainment industry center. Collections document the aviation industry, film studios, and local businesses that employed generations of Burbank residents.

Society publications include newsletters and books about Burbank history. Back issues may mention your ancestors or provide context about the neighborhoods and occupations your family knew. Contact the society through their website for research assistance and access to special collections.

Online Burbank Genealogy Databases

FamilySearch provides free California vital record indexes including Burbank residents. The California Birth Index spans 1905 to 1995. Death indexes cover 1905 to 1939. Search by name to confirm records exist before ordering certificates from Los Angeles County offices.

Census records track Burbank families from 1900 forward. The area appears under Providencia Township in 1880 and 1890 census. After incorporation in 1911, Burbank is listed separately. Census data provides household snapshots with ages, birthplaces, occupations, and relationships across decades.

The California Digital Newspaper Collection includes digitized papers from Los Angeles County. Search for Burbank names in regional publications to find obituaries, wedding announcements, and news items. Even brief mentions help place ancestors in time and verify family relationships.

California death certificates from 1940 to 1997 are available through 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 county offices in person.

Burbank Cemetery Records

Valhalla Memorial Park on Victory Place serves as Burbank's main cemetery. This facility has burials from 1923 forward including many entertainment industry figures and longtime Burbank residents. The cemetery office maintains records showing plot locations, burial dates, and next of kin information.

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

Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills serves many Burbank families. This nearby cemetery has extensive records of burials and cremations. Contact their office at 800-204-3131 for information about specific interments. Records often include details about family relationships not found in death certificates.

Other area cemeteries include Pierce Brothers Valhalla in North Hollywood and various Catholic and Jewish cemeteries throughout Los Angeles County. Each maintains separate records. Contact facilities directly if ancestors belonged to specific faith communities.

Burbank Family History Research Tips

Start at Los Angeles County offices for vital records. All Burbank births, deaths, and marriages are filed with the county. Order certificates for known events to establish dates and family relationships.

Visit the Southern California Genealogical Society library in Burbank. This facility provides access to resources unavailable elsewhere. Their collections and staff expertise can significantly advance your research. Membership offers the best value if you plan multiple visits.

Check Burbank Public Library for local resources. City directories track families year by year. Newspapers add personal details and context. High school yearbooks show faces and activities. Cross reference all sources for accurate family histories.

Burbank's entertainment industry connections create unique research angles. Studio employment records, union files, and trade publications may document ancestors who worked in film or television. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences library in Los Angeles holds additional industry resources.

Aviation history resources document Lockheed and other aerospace companies that employed thousands of Burbank residents. Company histories, employee newsletters, and business directories help trace ancestors who worked in these industries. The Burbank Historical Society has materials about local aviation development.

Nearby Research Locations

Burbank borders several Los Angeles County cities relevant to family research. Glendale lies to the west. Los Angeles surrounds Burbank on multiple sides. Pasadena sits to the north. Families often moved between these communities for housing and employment.

All Los Angeles County cities use the same Registrar-Recorder office in Norwalk. You do not need to visit multiple locations for vital records. The county office serves all municipalities equally.