Daily Herald | Cook Co. website gives quick access to old genealogical information

Two years ago, Cook County Clerk David Orr's office launched a new website called CookCountyGenealogy.com offering access to digitalized documents from its Bureau of Vital Records.

They include birth certificates from 1935 and earlier, marriage certificates from 1960 and earlier and death certificates from 1990 and earlier.

"I can say without hesitancy that we are one of the first governmental agencies - in the country - to put this information online," Orr says.

The site just won "Best Website" by Family Tree Magazine, the country's largest magazine for ancestry enthusiasts, one year after the office was recognized by Microsoft for "best use of innovation and technology in the public sector."

Thanks to @ResearchBuzz for this tip.