Rialto Genealogy Records and Family History

Rialto genealogy records help trace family roots in this San Bernardino County city. Vital records for births, deaths, and marriages that occurred in Rialto are kept at San Bernardino County offices. The city incorporated in 1911, making it one of the older incorporated communities in the Inland Empire region. Genealogy researchers can access birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses through the county recorder and county clerk. Additional resources include San Bernardino County Archives, local libraries with genealogy collections, and historical societies that document Rialto's past. Many records are available online while others require visits to county offices in San Bernardino or mail requests. This guide covers where to find Rialto genealogy records and how to research family histories in this historic California city.

Rialto Vital Records Through County Offices

All Rialto vital records are maintained by San Bernardino County. Birth and death certificates for events in Rialto come from the county recorder. Marriage licenses issued in San Bernardino County are filed with the county clerk. County offices are located in San Bernardino, approximately fifteen miles from Rialto.

The San Bernardino County Assessor Recorder County Clerk handles all vital records requests. You can order online, visit in person, or submit mail applications. Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars. Death records run twenty six dollars. Marriage certificates are nineteen dollars each as of 2026.

San Bernardino County holds records dating back to 1850. Pre-1905 vital records exist only at the county level because California lacked statewide registration before July 1905. Registration did not become mandatory until 1915, so records from the early 1900s may be incomplete. If you cannot find a Rialto vital record, check church registers and cemetery records for alternate sources.

County processing times vary by request method. In person visits to the recorder office often provide same day service when records are readily available. Online orders typically take a few business days. Mail requests depend on postal delivery times plus county processing.

Rialto History and Settlement Patterns

Rialto began as a railroad town and citrus growing community. The name comes from the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. Early settlers included railroad workers, farmers, and families drawn by agricultural opportunities. The city incorporated in 1911, growing from a small rail stop into a substantial community.

Many Rialto families have roots in the citrus industry that dominated the Inland Empire economy for decades. Orange and lemon groves employed thousands of workers. Packing houses processed fruit for shipment nationwide. Genealogy research should consider this agricultural heritage when tracing Rialto ancestors.

Transportation shaped Rialto's development. The Santa Fe Railroad brought settlers and commerce. Route 66 passed through Rialto, bringing travelers and new residents. Later, Interstate 10 and other freeways connected Rialto to the greater Los Angeles area. Each wave of growth brought new families whose descendants now research their roots.

San Bernardino County Archives for Rialto Research

The San Bernardino County Archives preserves historical records for the entire county including Rialto. Holdings include county government documents, naturalization papers, probate files, and property records. These materials supplement vital certificates with additional family information.

Naturalization records document when immigrants became citizens. Many Rialto residents came from Mexico, Italy, and other countries. Their naturalization papers list birth dates, birthplaces, arrival information, and sometimes family members. These details help trace families back to their origins.

Probate records created after deaths list heirs, property, and relationships. If your Rialto ancestor owned land or left an estate, probate files might contain genealogy details not found in vital records. Property deeds and land records also trace ownership and residence patterns over time.

County archives staff can guide researchers to relevant collections. Call ahead to verify that specific records are available and to learn about access procedures. Some materials require appointments while others are readily accessible during regular hours.

Rialto Library Genealogy Resources

The Rialto Branch Library provides access to genealogy databases and local history materials. Researchers can use Ancestry.com for free on library computers. Staff help locate California resources and materials about Rialto and San Bernardino County history.

Local history collections include books about the Inland Empire, citrus industry, and area development. City directories and telephone books help track Rialto families through different addresses. Census records combined with directories show how families moved and changed over time.

The library participates in interlibrary loan programs. This allows access to genealogy materials held at other California libraries. Specialized books, microfilms, and collections from larger research libraries become available through these arrangements. Ask library staff about requesting materials from the Sutro Library or California State Library.

Free Online Genealogy Tools for Rialto

FamilySearch provides free California vital records indexes. The California Birth Index 1905-1995 covers Rialto births. The California Death Index spans 1905 to 1939. These indexes help confirm records exist before paying for copies.

The California Digital Newspaper Collection includes San Bernardino County newspapers. Search for Rialto family names to find obituaries, marriage announcements, and local news. The San Bernardino Sun and other papers covered Rialto extensively. Obituaries often list family members and burial locations.

Census records available through various sites show Rialto families in different years. The 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 censuses all include Rialto. These records list household members with ages, birthplaces, occupations, and relationships. Combined with vital records, census data builds complete family timelines.

Rialto Cemetery Records and Burial Information

Cemetery records supplement vital certificates with burial details. Rialto Memorial Park and other local cemeteries maintain records showing burial dates, plot locations, and sometimes birth information. Many cemeteries will search their records by phone or mail request.

Tombstone inscriptions provide dates and relationships. Walking cemetery grounds helps document families. Photograph markers to preserve information. Many tombstones include birth dates, death dates, and family connections not easily found elsewhere.

Online databases like Find A Grave include Rialto cemetery transcriptions. Volunteers have photographed and transcribed thousands of markers. These databases are searchable by name and can point you to specific burial locations. Some entries include biographical details contributed by family members.

Tips for Researching Rialto Family History

Begin with San Bernardino County vital records for Rialto births, deaths, and marriages. Then expand to county archives for probate, land, and naturalization documents. Add cemetery records and church registers to fill gaps. Using multiple sources catches errors and provides complete information.

Check city directories and census records to track Rialto families over time. Directories list addresses and occupations. Census data shows household composition. Combined, these sources reveal how families changed and moved within Rialto or to other locations.

Consider Rialto's railroad and agricultural history when researching. Many ancestors worked for Santa Fe Railroad or in citrus groves. Employment records, union documents, and agricultural census schedules might list them. Property records show land ownership for farming families.

Connect with San Bernardino County genealogy groups. They have compiled indexes, cemetery transcriptions, and family files. Experienced researchers familiar with the area can guide you through challenges specific to Rialto and San Bernardino County research.