Scott County Genealogy Records Search

Scott County genealogy records are available through the County Recorder in Shakopee and the Scott County Library's dedicated genealogy resources, covering birth and death records from 1871, marriage records from 1856, land records from the 1850s, and probate files that extend back to the earliest years of the county's organization. The library's Ancestry Library Edition access and online research databases make Scott County one of the better-supported counties in Minnesota for remote genealogy research.

Scott County Recorder

The Scott County Recorder handles vital records and land documents for the county. Birth records date to 1871 and death records to 1871. Marriage records go back further, to 1856. Land records start in the 1850s and cover property transactions through the present. Military discharge records are also held by the Recorder from 1950 forward. This is a wide range of record types from one office, which makes the Recorder a key starting point for Scott County genealogy research.

Vital records access follows Minnesota Statutes section 144.225. Births over 100 years old and deaths over 50 years old are open to the public for genealogy purposes. For more recent records, proof of a qualifying relationship is required. Contact the Recorder through the Scott County website at scottcountymn.gov for current hours, procedures, and contact information.

Probate records for Scott County go back to the 1850s. Will records from 1857 to 1970 have been digitized and are accessible through FamilySearch. Court records run from 1880 forward. For older probate and court files that may have been transferred to the state archive, contact the Minnesota Historical Society.

Scott County Library Genealogy Resources

The Scott County Library at 1615 Weston Ct, Shakopee, offers a dedicated genealogy section that makes it stand out among county library systems in Minnesota. The library provides in-library access to Ancestry Library Edition, which is one of the most comprehensive commercial genealogy databases available. Ancestry Library Edition includes digitized census records, vital records, immigration records, military records, and more, all accessible at no charge when you are physically in the library.

Additional resources at the Scott County Library genealogy section include FamilySearch, Ellis Island records, military indexes, and other databases. Call 952-496-8010 or email linotices@co.scott.mn.us to ask about current hours for genealogy research and what databases are available. The library's genealogy resources are among the most useful local tools in the county for researchers who want to do hands-on research without traveling to the Twin Cities or the MHS.

The Scott County Historical Society holds affiliate library status with FamilySearch, which means they can also help with accessing and interpreting FamilySearch records for local family history research. The historical society and the library together form a strong local research base for Scott County genealogy.

Online Records and FamilySearch

FamilySearch has digitized will records for Scott County from 1857 to 1970. These are free to search online. The FamilySearch Wiki for Scott County at familysearch.org lists all known record types for the county and their locations. Reviewing this before contacting any office helps you understand what is available online versus what requires a request to the county.

The Scott County MNGenWeb site at scott.mngenweb.net has volunteer-contributed genealogy data for the county including cemetery records, family submissions, and local history materials. This is a free resource and a good early stop in your research. The data quality varies, so always verify key facts through official records.

Note: The MOMS marriage system at moms.mn.gov covers Scott County marriages from 1958 to 2001 at no charge. For marriages outside that window, contact the Scott County Recorder or check the MHS marriage index.

Vital Records Through State Offices

The Minnesota Department of Health holds statewide birth records from 1900 and death records from 1908. Noncertified genealogy copies cost $13 each. Requests go to P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164 by mail or fax. Call 651-201-5970 or visit health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords for forms and details.

For Scott County records predating 1900, the county Recorder holds births from 1871 and deaths from 1871. These older county records are the primary source for the decades before the state central system began. Marriage records from 1856 are particularly notable. For the earliest years, some records may only be available in person at the Recorder's office in Shakopee.

The MHS People Records Search at mnhs.org/search/people can pull results for Scott County names from census records, newspapers, and other MHS collections. The MHS is at 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St. Paul, phone 651-259-3300.

Nearby Counties

Scott County borders Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Le Sueur, and Rice counties in south-central Minnesota near the Twin Cities metro. Family lines frequently crossed into these surrounding counties.