Those researching their family tree will have an easier time finding family birth and death records in Pennsylvania.

Starting Wednesday, a new law will make birth certificates available to the public 105 years after they were issued, and death certificates 50 years later.

Births from 1906 and deaths from 1906-1961 will be available. One year each of birth and death records will be added each year.

Records before 1906 are held at the county level.

The public can access the records online or in person at the Pennsylvania State Archives.

For online access, go to www.health.state.pa.us and click on "Birth and Death Certificates."

Searches can be done by name of individual or by year. Once a record is identified, the state file number will be needed in order to request a non-certified copy of the certificate from the Department of Health.

To search in person, visit the State Archives at 350 North St. in Harrisburg.

Researchers will eventually be able to search records by first name only, year of occurrence, county, or even by parents’ names.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission or the Department of Health.