New Haven County Court Records

The New Haven County Court Records span from 1666 to 1855. This subject guide provides background information about these eras from colonial Connecticut to pre-Civil War America, in order to help researchers put these records into historical context.

Thanks to a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the Connecticut State Library is processing this collection for enhanced public access and use. In tandem with this subject guide, we have also published a blog that chronicles a selection of the interesting, amusing, tragic, and sometimes infuriating cases found in these court records.

Click on the subject heading tabs above to access selected Connecticut State Library print and electronic resources, websites, and other external links and resources. These are by no means the only existing resources on these topics, and we will be adding more materials to this subject guide as we identify additional relevant works. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Please be advised that some of these resources--particularly those created in previous eras--contain descriptions for ancestral, racial, ethnic, and gender identity that may be offensive or harmful to individuals investigating these records, and are considered inappropriate to use in modern times. The descriptions and treatment of historically marginalized groups, women, and animals may be upsetting. Also, please note that inclusion in this subject guide does not necessarily constitute endorsement of the views therein--we encourage investigators to use their own judgment when evaluating books, websites, articles, documents, and other resources.

This project is generously supported by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) and the Connecticut State Library.