Access Woodbury Genealogy Records

Woodbury genealogy records are handled through Washington County, which maintains vital records for births, deaths, and marriages in the city. The Washington County Historical Society in nearby Stillwater operates a year-round research center and three historic museum sites with family history collections. Statewide databases from the Minnesota Historical Society provide additional search options online without a trip to the county courthouse.

Washington County Vital Records for Woodbury

Woodbury is in Washington County, which processes all vital records for the city. The county vital records office issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records. Standard fees apply, and access follows state statute under Minn. Stat. 144.225, which limits certified copies to the person named, immediate family, or authorized representatives.

For historical genealogical research, the MHS People Records Search gives free online access to Minnesota birth indexes from 1900 to 1934 and death records from 1904 to 2001. Marriage records from 1958 onward are searchable through MOMS. Early land patents in Washington County can be searched for free through the BLM General Land Office Records database.

Washington County Historical Society

The Washington County Historical Society operates three museum sites and a year-round research center in Stillwater, which is the county seat and about 15 miles north of Woodbury. The research center at 1862 Greeley Street S. in Stillwater is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm and provides access to Washington County history archives, photograph collections, and family history materials.

The three museum sites offer different types of historical content. The Warden's House Museum in Stillwater is open from May through October. The Hay Lake School Museum in Marine on St. Croix is also open seasonally, May through October. For genealogical research, the Research Center is the main destination since it's open year-round and has staff who can assist with research questions. School and group tours are available by arrangement.

Collections at the historical society include family histories, photograph archives, and records that document life in Washington County from early settlement through the 20th century. For Woodbury researchers, the society is the best local resource for pre-county-records genealogical material.

Statewide Genealogy Tools for Woodbury Ancestors

Woodbury researchers can use a range of statewide digital tools to search for ancestors without leaving home. The MHS People Records Search at mnhs.org/search/people is the best starting point for historical birth, death, and census data. It's free and covers a wide range of years going back to Minnesota's early statehood period.

MDH Vital Records handles certified copies of birth and death records from 1900 onward. Requests can be submitted by mail to PO Box 9441, Minneapolis MN 55440, or by phone at 651-201-5970. The MDH website at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords explains the request process and fees. For non-certified birth record copies, there is a separate process outlined on the MDH site.

Washington County Library gives residents access to genealogy research databases that supplement county and state records. The library system connects to several statewide digital collections that are free with a library card.

The City of Woodbury's official website is a resource for finding city government contacts, public records, and local information relevant to Woodbury residents and researchers.

City of Woodbury records and city government contacts can help locate administrative documents that complement county vital records in a genealogical search.

MHS Gale Family Library for Washington County Research

The Minnesota Historical Society's Gale Family Library in St. Paul is just a short drive from Woodbury and holds the state's most complete genealogical archive. The library at 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St. Paul, holds state archives, manuscript collections, photographs, maps, and oral histories that extend well beyond what county offices hold. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday; call 651-259-3300 or visit mnhs.org/library before your trip.

Many MHS databases are accessible online for free. For records that have not been digitized, an in-person visit is the only option. Research staff at the Gale Family Library can assist with Washington County and Woodbury family history questions and help you navigate collections that may not have finding aids online yet.

Note: The MHS library charges fees for copies of records but provides free access to reading rooms and reference assistance.

Nearby Cities

Woodbury is on the eastern edge of the Twin Cities metro, close to St. Paul and other qualifying cities in the area.