Arvada Colorado Genealogy Records
Arvada is a historic city northwest of Denver. Over 121,000 people live here. The city was founded in 1870. It is one of Colorado's oldest communities. Arvada spans two counties. Most of the city is in Jefferson County. A small part extends into Adams County. This affects where records are kept.
The city began as a farming community. The first gold discovery in Colorado was here. This was in 1850 at the confluence of Clear Creek. The town grew along the railroad line. Many families have lived here for generations. The historic downtown preserves this heritage.
Arvada Quick Facts
County Records for Arvada
Finding records in Arvada requires checking two counties. Most of the city is in Jefferson County. This includes the historic downtown area. The Adams County portion is in the northeast. You must know which county your ancestors lived in. This determines where to search.
For Jefferson County portions, contact their Clerk and Recorder. They are in Golden. For Adams County portions, contact their office in Brighton. Each office maintains marriage and land records. Birth and death records go through the state.
| Primary County | Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80419 303-271-8168 |
|---|---|
| Secondary County | Adams County Clerk and Recorder 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Brighton, CO 80601 720-523-6020 |
Records Available for Arvada
Marriage records for Arvada are in the county of the ceremony. If married in Jefferson County, records are in Golden. Adams County marriages are in Brighton. Land records follow the same rule. Property records are in the county where the land sits.
The Colorado State Archives holds older records. They have documents from both counties. You can search their database online. C.R.S. 24-80 guides records management. Birth and death records are at CDPHE. Older ones may be at the archives.
- Marriage licenses by county of ceremony
- Land records in county of property
- Court records at appropriate district court
- Probate records by county
- Census records for all areas
The Arvada Historical Society preserves local history. They have photos and documents from the city's past. The McIlvoy House is their headquarters. This can help with family history research.
Local Genealogy Resources
The Arvada Library is part of Jefferson County Public Library. They have genealogy resources available. You can access Ancestry Library Edition there. They also have local history materials. The library is a good starting point.
The Colorado State Archives is in Denver. They hold historical records from both counties. You can search their database first. Then visit to view original documents. Bring a photo ID for entry.
The Arvada Historical Society maintains archives. They have materials on the city's history. This includes information on early families. Contact them for research help.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives is essential for Arvada research. They have records from Jefferson and Adams counties. Births before 1908 may be found there. Deaths before 1900 are also held there. The Archives Search database is free to use.
CDPHE Vital Records has certificates from 1900 onward. They are at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver. Call 303-692-2200. Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, some records are confidential.
Other helpful resources include:
- Colorado State Archives: archives.colorado.gov
- Archives Search: Online database
- FamilySearch: familysearch.org
- VitalChek: vitalchek.com
- Colorado Historic Newspapers: coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
Nearby Cities
Arvada is near many Denver suburbs. Your ancestors may have moved between these cities. Check nearby areas for complete research.