iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 31/12/2025

Happy New Year, you guys! It's time for our 2025 Year in Review, and a look ahead to 2026 -- what records are going online next?! www.reclaimtherecords.org/about/year-i...

reclaimtherecords.org

Reclaim The Records Year in Review 2025 - Reclaim The Records

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Cristina @nightowlgenealogy.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

@reclaimtherecords.org You are all amazing!!! 😃🤗🤩 A million thanks for working so hard on getting this to us during the holidays. I'm about to go unwrap the best Christmas gift ever! 🎁 www.newyorkdeathindex.com 🎁

newyorkdeathindex.com

The New York State Death Index (1880-2017) - a FREE database from Reclaim The Records

Search more than ten million historical records of people who died in New York State, from 1880 to 2017

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Marian Burk Wood @climbingfamilytree.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Thanks to our friends at @reclaimtherecords.org, the index of deaths in New York State from 1880-2017 is now public! #Genealogy #FamilyHistory Reclaim built an innovative database featuring natural language search & more. My search took a nanosecond: climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com/2025/12/sear...

climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com

Searching Reclaim the Records' New York State Death Index

Genealogy research and commentary by Marian Burk Wood, speaker and author of "Planning a Future for Your Family's Past," available from Amazon.com.

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Chris Smolinski W3HFU @hfunderground.com · 03/12/2025

This is huge. Thank you for your efforts in freeing up records that should already be free!

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Alex Calzareth @alcalz.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Visit www.NewYorkDeathIndex.com to search the first ever public NYS death index for 1973 - 2017. Place of death also available starting in 1957 so you can order genealogy copies (death >50 years ago) from a local municipality and skip the 5 year NYS DOH wait. (NYC is separate and not included)

newyorkdeathindex.com

The New York State Death Index (1880-2017) - a FREE database from Reclaim The Records

Search more than ten million historical records of people who died in New York State, from 1880 to 2017

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 03/12/2025

Our 'Giving Tuesday' Gift to YOU: The New York State Death Index, 1880-2017 After YEARS of fighting with the state of New York, we just put it all online -- and there might even be some more data to come! Read all about it in our latest newsletter issue: mailchi.mp/reclaimthere...

mailchi.mp

Reclaim The Records

We’re Reclaim The Records, a new not-for-profit activist group of genealogists, historians, researchers, and open government advocates. We identify important genealogical records sets that ought to be...

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 03/12/2025

YOU GUYS! IT'S FINALLY ONLINE! IT'S TOTALLY FREE! IT'S THE NEW YORK STATE DEATH INDEX, 1880-2017! www.newyorkdeathindex.com

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Traveler-in-mind @traveler-in-mind.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

@reclaimtherecords.org , I wish you every success in your lawsuit again the VA which is now refusing to fulfill FOIA requests. I got in my request about my father in WW2 probably on July 8. It is already more than half through October, and I haven't even received a denial.

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 21/10/2025

What's a #FOIA Appeal? What's some good language to use when you want to argue with the government about why they should be giving you the file you asked for, instead of some "genealogy letter"? We got you covered, fam. Check out our advice in our latest newsletter: mailchi.mp/reclaimthere...

mailchi.mp

Reclaim The Records

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Marian Burk Wood @climbingfamilytree.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

#Genealogy #FamilyHistory The US Veterans Admin sent an almost empty page in response to FOIA request for Dad's military/health records (WWII service). @reclaimtherecords.org recommends appealing & my appeal is complicated by my nameless birth cert climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com/2025/09/appe...

climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com

Appealing the VA's Skinny Extract of Dad's Claims File

Genealogy research and commentary by Marian Burk Wood, speaker and author of "Planning a Future for Your Family's Past," available from Amazon.com.

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Jocelyn @historygirl.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Just re requested my grandfather's files with my mother so she can easily appeal the denial as next of kin. I just really want to know what they wrote when he went missing in France and then when they found him in England thanks to my Grandma getting a letter from him.

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Amelia Howard @akhoward.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

I received numerous denials in the mail recently, which made me absolutely livid. I will absolutely appeal if able.

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Julie in STL @hyperhouse.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

I finally had my FOIA fulfilled for my great grandfather, only for it to be bare bones textual genealogical information and not scans of his WWI file. Waiting for the language to understand how I can best appeal.

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Tyler Dukes @mtdukes.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Got one of these FOIA denials in response to records for my and @kneld.bsky.social’s grandfather’s files. Ready to appeal!

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 01/09/2025

NEW: We just published 1.5 million NEW BIRLS records for 2020-2023, ALL FREE -- but now the VA doesn't want you to see any of them! Read all about it in our latest newsletter: mailchi.mp/reclaimthere...

mailchi.mp

Reclaim The Records

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 26/08/2025

First we fight and win a four year public records lawsuit, but *then* we really get to work making the data free and usable... *cracks knuckles, goes back to coding*

Screenshot of the geocoding of the New York State Death Index 1880-2017

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Steven Vondrak @svondrak.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Czech immigrant ancestral village search success story thanks to @reclaimtherecords.org helping get the NYC vital record images published. From all US records, only an 1878 birth record showed the birth locations of the parents. Kuttenberg is the German exonym for Kutna Hora. #Genealogy #Czech

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Karen Pickell @karenpickell.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Received my first C-File yesterday! Had requested via @reclaimtherecords.org on Dec 28 & had received notice that file would be coming on Feb 25. Some info redacted in case ppl still living. Was not expecting much for this vet but still got a few new insights. Waiting on 3 more. 🙂

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 30/07/2025

We just got notice that a Freedom of Information request we made for a certain state's vital records index in August 2020, heard as a contested case in August 2021, was finally decided in our favor... That's nearly five years. FIVE YEARS! 😤 But we won. New data coming soon. 😊

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Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) @apgenealogists.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

APG has issued a letter to the Mayor of Washington, D.C., urging the reinstatement of funding for the planned DC State Archives building. This vital project protects historical records & supports ongoing research efforts. www.apgen.org/docs/3_June_...

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 14/06/2025

OUR BILL PASSED the New York State Assembly yesterday -- UNANIMOUSLY! 🤩 It's still not a done deal yet. It has to go to the governor, and be signed, and not have last-minute line-item edits or a veto. But we are now SO much closer to reforming New York's vital records access!

media.tenor.com

a cartoon drawing of a man wearing a shirt that says law .

ALT: a cartoon drawing of a man wearing a shirt that says law .

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 12/06/2025

UPDATE: The proposed state bill we're supporting to put millions of scanned-and-indexed older New York vital records online PASSED the NYS Senate today, 50-9! Now it needs to go through the Assembly... You can subscribe to the bill's progress here: www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...

media.tenor.com

a close up of a cat 's face with the words ( heavy breathing ) below it .

Alt: a close up of a cat 's face with the words ( heavy breathing ) below it .

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Kathleen Lenihan @kathleenlenihan.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

When Reclaim the Records shows up, institutions should save themselves the time and money and just give them the records. RTC is going to win. #genealogy

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 31/05/2025

Here's the official video of our intrepid attorney-by-day (and genealogist-by-night) Michael Moritz bravely arguing (and winning!) our case at the New York State Court of Appeals, in case you want to see an episode of "Law and Order: Special Genealogy Unit". www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEFf...

youtube.com

No. 49 Matter of Reclaim the Records v NYSDOH

YouTube video by New York State Court Of Appeals

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 31/05/2025

Ahem. The latest issue of our newsletter is finally out. It's a big one. WE WON THE FULL NEW YORK STATE DEATH INDEX, THE WHOLE THING, 1880-2017, WE BEAT THE LARGEST GOVERNMENT AGENCY IN NEW YORK AND WE'RE SETTING MORE THAN TEN MILLION RECORDS FREEEEEE Read all about it: mailchi.mp/reclaimthere...

mailchi.mp

Reclaim The Records

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Megan Smolenyak @megansmolenyak.com · 30/05/2025

Another amazing victory for @reclaimtherecords.org - and, of course, all genealogists! 👏👏👏

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 29/05/2025

You guys...? We did it. 🥰 We won the FULL NEW YORK STATE DEATH INDEX FOR 1880-2017! We beat the largest government agency in the state of New York (@nysdoh.bsky.social), in the highest court of the state, through a Freedom of Information Law (#FOIL) suit. www.reclaimtherecords.org/records-requ...

reclaimtherecords.org

The FULL New York State Death Index, 1880-2017 - Reclaim The Records

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 29/05/2025

big big big news that's been YEARS in the making and tomorrow's the day when we're finally going to tell you guys all about it but for tonight, enjoy a little hint (lawyer-approved) 😊

Screenshot of case caption for New York State Court of Appeals case: Reclaim The Records vs. New York State Department of Health

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 27/05/2025

We know you've all been oh-so-patiently waiting for our promised press release about that "big case that we won". But look, we didn't want to send it out right before a three-day weekend! Hang on, very good news is coming soon. 😎

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 22/05/2025

We just got big news in our biggest-ever lawsuit. 😳 AND IT’S GOOOOOOOD press release dropping soon

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 20/05/2025

Another update! The bill we helped develop and are supporting, to get scanned New York State historical records PUT ONLINE, to enshrine the indices as OPEN under state #FOIL, and to ENSURE access to historic records is moving! More progress! assembly.ny.gov/leg/?default...

assembly.ny.gov

Bill Search and Legislative Information | New York State Assembly

News and Information from the New York State Assembly

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 15/05/2025

We already have an update on the newly-proposed law we're supporting in the New York State Legislature, the one we told everyone about in our latest newsletter: It now has a corresponding Assembly number (A08314) and sponsor: Amy Paulin @amypaulin.bsky.social Chair of the Committee on Health! 🥰

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Megan Smolenyak @megansmolenyak.com · 15/05/2025

Also, shout-out to @reclaimtherecords.org for making those AR-2s so easy to find!

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Megan Smolenyak @megansmolenyak.com · 15/05/2025

The other half of the Pope's family tree is revealed! #genealogy

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Deborah Barber @hexadecibel.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Anyone researching New York State knows what a travesty obtaining vital records has become. We need a new law!

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 13/05/2025

🚨 Reclaim The Records is working on A BRAND NEW LAW in the New York State Legislature! 🚨 We want to finally FIX New York State historical records access, and put it all online for everyone! And we need your help! Read our latest newsletter: mailchi.mp/reclaimthere...

mailchi.mp

Reclaim The Records

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 13/05/2025

We're going to be announcing some GOOD news soon. Here's a hint. 😉

I'm just a bill, yeah I'm only a bill, and...

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Jeremy Verdusco @jeremy.simplyv2.com · 15/04/2025

Folks waiting on BIRLS requests from the VA, don't give up hope. I just got three letters confirming receipt (after 9 weeks). They can't find the file on one of those vets, but I'll be getting files for a great uncle and his son. Genealogy happy dance. #ancestry #genealogy #familyresearch #veterans

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Jocelyn @historygirl.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Woot! Hosting a women in WWII group and have already had a person come with a photo of their Marine Corp serving Mom and filed a FOIA with her husband for his Army serving Mom. Thanks @reclaimtherecords.org!

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Jen 🇺🇸💙 @jen467.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Public records are crucial, especially now with government websites disappearing, efforts to operate out of public view, and the National Archives in disarray.

freedom.press

Wired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should follow

As the administration does its best to hide public records from the public, Wired magazine is stepping up to help stem the secrecy

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Katie Nappi @katienappi.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Look what came in the mail today!!! My first FOIA response from the VA!! @reclaimtherecords.org

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 12/03/2025

RTR board member Alec Ferretti (@alecferretti.bsky.social) gave two lectures at RootsTech about US citizenship records, one of them specifically about Alien Files. And if you jump to 51:57 in the video, you'll see slides about "Pending Litigation", hint hint... 😌 www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_hl...

youtube.com

Alien Files Boot Camp

YouTube video by FamilySearch

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 12/03/2025

RootsTech 2025 was a great opportunity to talk to the genealogy community about records access issues, including in some longer press and interviews with our board members -- like this one, with Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano from "Speak On It!": www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmZJ...

youtube.com

Interview with Brooke Ganz of Reclaim The Records

YouTube video by SpeakOnIt! Janice & Cherekana

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 06/03/2025

It's that time of year again... Reclaim The Records is at #RootsTech! Come by our booth, and talk to some of our board members in the Expo Hall, and maybe pick up a T-shirt too? (also we have free candy, because of course we do)

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Kentucky Genealogical Society @kentuckygenealogy.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

So much can be learned throughout the #genealogy ecosystem from what @reclaimtherecords.org is doing to help so many! Reminds me of that Margaret Mead quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."

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Reclaim The Records @reclaimtherecords.org · 25/02/2025

Yeah, so, today the new Administration destroyed the United States Open Government Federal Advisory Committee. It's dead now. Also, the US somehow didn't pay our 2025 dues to the Open Government Partnership. Update from @americalabs.org, the former chair, here: americalabs.org/2025/02/25/s...

americalabs.org

Statement on Termination of Open Government Federal Advisory Committee

Trump Attacks Open GovernmentGSA Terminates Open Government Federal Advisory Committee FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Daniel Schuman, American Governance Institute February 25, 2025 Washington, DC –…

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