This section lists the societies of New York, giving details about each one and what resources and publications they offer.
Statewide and Regional Societies
- Capital District
- Central
- New England
- Genealogical and Biographical Society
- Historical Society
- State Historical Association and the Farmers’ Museum
County Societies
Statewide and Regional Societies
Capital District Genealogical Society
The group was organised in 1981 and covers the counties of Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington.
Some publications are available for sale, which include 1854 Albany County Map and Index, 1855 Albany Co. Census.
Website:
http://www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org
Central New York Genealogical Society
The group was established in 1961 and its aim is to preserve, publish and share Genealogical Information. Tree Talks, their quarterly publication, is published by the organisation. Every Name Indexes to this publication are on the site covering 2009-2011.
Material published in this Newsletter include Abstracts of Church, Cemetery and Newspaper Vital Records. Information relating to each area was extracted from the publication in 1999 and is now sold as a ‘County Packet’.
Some Census Returns, Church Registers and Sending Money Home(to Ireland): the Accounts of an Immigrant Financial Agent in Deposit 1851-1860 are sold by the society.
A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~nycnygs/
New England Historic Genealogical Society – American Ancestors
Many archives and databases are available in their library, which incorporate:
- 19th Century US Newspapers
- Biographical Information regarding African Americans 1790-1950
- Boston Globe 1872-1979
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Church Registers
- Early American Newspapers 1690-1876
- The Jewish Advocate 1905-1990
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont
- Vital Records
An on-line catalogue of their archives is also accessible.
Their quarterly journal, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, is highly respected, and they also publish the magazine American Ancestors along with a wide variety of books.
Research is also published from ongoing projects, such as the Great Migration Study Project, a study of New England Immigrants 1620-1640.
A wide range of books and publications are also available for sale in their Store, which incorporate:
- Family Charts
- Genealogies
- Guidebooks
- Mayflower Books
- NEHGS Collection Guides
- New England Resources
Website:
http://www.americanancestors.org/index.aspx
New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
The association was established in 1869.
Some online databases are available on their site, which include the Early American Newspapers 1690-1876 and Fold3 History and Genealogy Archives Plus, which is a subscription database.
The database is freely accessible to members, which includes 100 million record images of Documents, Personal Histories, City Directories and Military Records.
Many archives are accessible in their Members Only eLibrary, which incorporate:
- 1855 NY State Census
- Cemetery Transcriptions
- Early Newspapers
- Finding Aids to Church Registers
- Harlem Cemetery Disinterments 1869-1875
- Index to Children Baptised in the NY Dutch Church 1639-1800
- NYG&B Family Bible Records
- NYG&B Member Biographies
Many publications are also available for sale, which incorporate:
- Armoury of American Families of Dutch Descent
- Coroner’s Reports NY City 1823-1849
- Kings County Administration Proceedings 1817-1856
- Marriage and Death Notices in the New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung 1836-1870
- Methodist Protestants and the Union Cemeteries of Brooklyn
- Naturalisations in the Marine Court 1827-1840
- Guide to State and Interstate Probate Records
- Worden’s Index to the Record 1870-1960
Website:
http://newyorkfamilyhistory.org/
New York Historical Society
Many resources are available at Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, which include Printed Collections including 350000 Books and Pamphlets, 10000 Newspaper Titles, 18000 Broadsides and over 10000 Maps and Atlases.
Resources also include Graphic Collections, incorporating Prints, Photographs, Architectural Collections and Ephemera.
In addition, Manuscript Collections including Family Papers, Business Records and other paper items are also accessible.
It is possible to search each of these Collections through the Library’s Online Catalogue and Archival Finding Aids.
Website:
http://www.nyhistory.org
New York State Historical Association and the Farmers’ Museum
The New York State Association, founded in 1899, is now known as the Fenimore Art Museum.
Many resources are available in their Research Library, which incorporate:
- Census Returns 1790-1930
- Church and Cemetery Records
- Directories
- Genealogies
- Newspaper Indexes
- Newspapers
Archives also comprise Community Histories relating to New York State and a Book Collection pertaining to Native American Art and Culture.
To find out more about resources held, please use the Library’s Pathfinder on-line Catalogue and Manuscript Collection Finding Aids.
Numerous Databases and Indexes are on the site, which comprise Bibliographies held at the Research Library(Covering Delaware, Greene, Otsego and Schoharie Counties). Categories include Monographs, Cemetery Records, Newspapers, Manuscripts and Files.
Databases and Indexes also include Lists of County Census Returns and Civil War Research Sources held by the Library, History of Cooperstown and a Bibliography of Erie Canal Materials accessible.
Website:
http://www.fenimoreartmuseum.org/
County Societies
Brooklyn Historical Society
The association was established in 1863 as the Long Island Historical Society.
The aim of the Society is to promote and encourage the study of the 400-year-old history of Brooklyn County.
The Society is situated in Brooklyn Heights and is situated in a building designed by George Post and opened in 1881.
Many archives are accessible in their Library, which include Brooklyn and Manhattan Directories, Eardeley NYS Wills Names Index & Eardeley Manuscripts, Brooklyn and Long Island Scrapbooks(Newspaper Clippings from 1860s-1960s).
Resources also comprise:
- Archives and Manuscript Collections
- Card Index of Marriage and Death Notices extracted from Long Island Star Newspaper covering 1809-1845
- Census Returns
- Family Histories
- Genealogy Reference Materials
- Historic Brooklyn Atlases
- Long Island Star Newspaper
- Vital Statistics Transcriptions
An on-line catalogue of archives held at the Library is on the site, along with the NYU Finding Aid Portal.
Website:
http://www.brooklynhistory.org
Buffalo Irish Genealogical Society
Many archives are available in their Library, which comprise:
- Books relating to Ireland
- Cemetery Transcripts of Holy Cross in Lackawanna 1872-1874
- Everton’s Genealogical Helper
- Guide to connecting Genealogies
- Irish Telephone Directories
- List of Nick Names of People from the Old First Ward of Buffalo
- ‘SEPTS’ Publications
- Tracing Irish Clan Heritage
There are also links to many sites you may find of interest.
Website:
https://bigswny.org/
Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society
Their aim is to preserve the heritage and history of the Moravia area. They also collect and preserve records relating to Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States, who came from the Moravia area.
Many resources are available in their Library, located at History House, 14 W. Cayuga St., Moravia, New York 13118, which include:
- 1847-1851 Vital Records
- Atlases and Maps
- Bible Records
- Cemetery Information
- Census Returns including 1828 Quaker Census
- Family File Folders(covers over 800 surnames – please see list on their site)
- Newspaper Abstracts 1819-1865
- Photographs
- Published Genealogies
- Scrapbooks
- Town Histories
- Will Abstracts
Some publications are available for sale, which incorporate:
- The Drum Company of Company A – Frank Foti
- Mecca of Spiritualism – Dr. Joyce Hackett-Smith
- Millard Fillmore – Robert J. Scarry
- Moravia and Its Past – Leslie L. Luther
- Niles 1833-1983 – Mabel L. Crosby
- Town of Locke New York 1802-2002
Website:
http://www.colhs.org
Chenango County Historical Society
The James S Flanagan History Research Centre is operated by Chenango Co. Historical Society and the Chenango Co. Historian’s Office.
Numerous resources are accessible, which incorporate:
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Company Papers
- DAR Records
- Family Files
- Town Histories
- Vital Statistics
- Will Directories
Website:
http://www.chenangohistorical.org
Dutchess County Genealogical Society
Many resources are accessible in their Library, which incorporate:
- Biographies
- Census Returns
- Compendiums
- Genealogies
- Immigrations
- Local History
- Military Resources
- Vital Records
The association publishes a quarterly Publication The Dutchess, and Tables of Contents are accessible. You can purchase Back Issues from the organisation. The DCGS, which is sent with The Dutchess, is also published by the association. You can download Back Issues of this publication in PDF Format.
Some information relating to Vital Records is on the site, which include Dutchess Co. Registrars and Dutchess Co. Communities.
Website:
http://www.dcgs-gen.org
Greene County Historical Society
The association was established in 1929. The Vedder Research Library has many documents, which incorporate:
- 1828 Quaker Census
- 2000 Cards with information relating to Ashland and Jewett Townships Genealogical Data
- Cemeteries Index
- Civil War Veterans
- Family Name Folders
- Funeral Home Registers
- Index to Greene County Surrogate Court Records 1800-1930
- State and Federal Census Returns
- Vital Notices from Greene County Newspapers 1810-1885
- Vital Statistics
Website:
http://www.gchistory.org
Jefferson County Genealogical Society
The association publishes The Informer and a Table of Contents for issues from 1994-2004 are accessible.
Some publications can be purchased from the society, which include:
- Every Name Index to the Informer 1994-2008
- The Informers themselves 1994-1997
- JCNYGS Pedigrees – 203 pages of Pedigrees with an Every Surname Index
- Will Abstracts 1830-1850
Website:
http://jefferson.nygenweb.net/jeffsoc.htm
Niagara County Genealogical Society
The association was organised in 1979, its aim being to promote and encourage genealogical research by its members and the public.
Many resources are available at the Society’s Library, which incorporate:
- Atlases
- Cemetery Records
- Census Returns
- City Directories
- DAR Books
- Genealogies
- Maps
- Written histories and notebooks from Niagara County familiies
Their resources also relate to other counties of New York, New England, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada.
It is possible to download a list of Family Documents available from the site, along with a list of Cemeteries they have records for.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which include 1860 Niagara County Map, Civil War Letters and the Diary of Jesse Kieffer of Lockport.
They also have a Table of Contents for their Newsletter from 2008-2009, and Back Issues are available for sale. It is also possible to download their Newsletter Index.
Website:
http://niagaragenealogy.org
Orange County Genealogical Society
Many resources are accessible in their Research Room, including The Elizabeth Horton, Helen Predmore, Myrtle Edwards and Florence Tate Collections, approximately 500 Family Genealogies and Index to Revolutionary War Service Records.
Resources available also include:
- 34 Volumes of Mayflower Descendant
- 1850 Maps of the area
- DAR Patriot Index
- Deeds
- English Origins of New England Families
- Federal Census Returns
- Genealogies of Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsvlvania and Rhode Island Families
- Genealogy and Family History of Connecticut
- Marriages 1908-1932
In addition, archives also comprise:
- Mayflower Source Records
- Mexican War Pension Files (Index)
- New England Marriages
- New York Soldiers in the Civil War
- Newspapers
- NJ Marriages 1665-1800
- NJ Newspaper Extracts 1704-1782
- Pennsylvania Church Registers
- Revolutionary War Pension Records Abstracts
- Roll of Honour from Civil War
- State Census Returns
- Tax Assessment Rolls NY State
- Town Clerk Civil War Reports for NY State
- Will Abstracts 1670-1817 for New Jersey
Resources also include many books which incorporate:
- Cemetery Listings
- Church Records
- City Directories 1899-1956
- Early Will Abstracts 1787-1830
- Whig Press Marriages and Deaths 1851-1865
Numerous publications are also available for sale, which incorporate:
- 1702 List of Orange Co. Inhabitants
- 1714 List of Dutchess Co. Inhabitants
- 1720 Schedule of Freeholders of Albany
- Death Records
- Early Wills 1731-1830
- Genealogical History of Blacks in Orange County
- Goshen Independent Republican Marriage Notices 1866-1903
- Jury Lists
- Marriages and Deaths from the New York State 1865 and 1875 Censuses
- Orange Co. Maps
- Tombstone Inscriptions
- Whig Press Marriage and Death Notices 1851-1865
Website:
http://www.ocgsny.org
Rochester Genealogical Society
Numerous digital images of church records are accessible on their website.
These images include St Paul’s Episcopal, St Stephen’s Episcopal, Episcopal Archives, Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran, Christ Lutheran, Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran and Grace Lutheran.
Digital Images of Church Registers also include St Mark’s Lutheran, St Paul’s Lutheran, Parkminster Presbyterian, Brighton Reformed, Salem United Church of Christ, Penfield United Methodist and Wesley United Methodist.
Indexes to Church Registers are available, which include St Luke’s Episcopal, St Paul’s Episcopal and Trinity Episcopal Churches.
The association also publishes a quarterly newsletter entitled Hear Ye, Hear Ye. Back Issues of this publication can be downloaded from their website.
Numerous publications are available for sale, including:
- Location of Monroe Co. Cemeteries and Cemetery Records
- Marriage Records of Rev. George Washington Montgomery 1846-1879
- Monroe Co. Genealogical Guide
- Mount Hope Cemetery Interment Records 1837-1906
A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available.
Website:
http://nyrgs.org
Rockland County Genealogical Society
The association was organised in 1985. Rockland County Archives is located at Building S, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY 10970 and many archives are available, which incorporate:
- Court Records 1798-2001
- Deeds 1798-1908
- Federal Census Returns
- Licence Affidavits 1908-1918
- Maps
- Marriages 1908-1926
- Mortgages 1830 to date
- Naturalisation Oaths 1836-1896
- Naturalisation Papers 1812-1991
- Orange Co. Deeds and Mortgages 1703-1798
- State Census Returns
- Will Indexes 1798-1957 and 1957-1985
Information for people conducting family tree research is available on their site, which comprise:
- A W Dutcher’s Sons Funeral Home Books
- Cemeteries List
- Census Returns
- Court Records
- Genealogies in New City Library
- George M. Holt Funeral Home Books
- LDS Film Numbers
- Newsletters
- Rockland Children’s Homes
- Rockland County Cemeteries
- Rockland Images Project
Website:
http://rocklandgenealogy.org
Rye Historical Society
The association was established in 1964. The Knapp House Archives hold over 25000 items relating to Local History, which include:
- Books
- Census Returns
- Manuscripts
- Maps
- Pamphlets
- Photographs
The Parsons Family Papers, which are Papers from Herbert Parsons (US Congressman), his wife Elsie Clews Parsons (Prominent Anthropologist) and John Parsons, are also held at the Archives.
It is also possible to peruse the following finding aids on their site:
- Gilbert Merritt Papers Finding Aid
- Gilbert Miller Papers Finding Aid
- Guion Family Finding Aid
- G. Sherwood Papers Finding Aid
- Photographic Collection Finding Aid
Website:
http://ryehistory.org
Schoharie County Historical Society
The association was established over 120 years ago. The Old Stone Fort Library has many archives, which include
- Atlases
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Church Registers
- Directories
- Genealogical Charts: Mix, Reed, Schaeffer and Warner
- Manuscript Files
- Maps
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Out-of-County Family and Bible Records
- Periodicals
- Published Genealogies
- Will Abstracts
Website:
http://www.theoldstonefort.org/SCHS
Sullivan County Historical Society
Many archives are accessible in their Library, which incorporate:
- Census Returns
- Marriages
- Photographs
- Postcards
- Town Information
They also have some issues of the Liberty Register along with other periodicals.
Website:
http://www.scnyhistory.org/
Ulster County Genealogical Society
The association was established in 1972. Its aims are to maintain a genealogical reference library, to give assistance to people and members tracing their own family trees and to encourage and promote the study of genealogy and family history.
Its aims are also to provide information for newspapers and periodicals and to publish materials genealogists will find of use.
Many resources are accessible in their Research Library, which incorporate:
- Bible Records
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Church Registers
- Deaths 1847-1849
- Directories
- Gazetteers
- Genealogies
- Maps
- Marriages 1847-1850
- Naturalisation Papers
- Newsletters
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
Resources also incorporate:
- Random Town of Rochester Marriages 1894-1901
- Reference Books
- Shawangunk Deaths and other Records
- Shawangunk Deaths 1847-1910
- Surname File Folders
- Tax Lists
- Town of Plattekill Marriage, Birth and Death Records 1880-1910
- Town of Saugerties Marriages 1881-1891
- Ulster Co. Births 1847-1849
- Undertaker Books
- Vital Records from various Town of Orange County 1847-1849
- Wills
More detailed lists of their collections are available on their website.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which comprise:
- Births, Marriages and Deaths from Ellenville Journal 1904-1943
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Church Registers
- Family Papers
- Federal Census Returns
- Genealogies
- Guide to Dutch, German, Irish and Welsh Naming Patterns
- Index to Charles Cochrane’s ‘History of Marlborough’
- State Census Returns
- Ulster County Will Abstracts
Website:
http://www.ucgsny.org
Westchester County Historical Society
The association has an extensive collection of resources housed in a humidity-controlled environment. These archives include:
- Account Books
- Biographical Information regarding people of the area
- Books and Pamphlets relating to Towns, Cities and Villages of the area
- Census Returns
- Church Registers
- Diaries
- Genealogy Files covering over 2800 Families
- Maps and Atlases
- Marriage and Death Information published in Local Newspapers 1828-1896
- Periodicals
- Picture Collection
- School Registers
- Scrapbooks
In addition, a comprehensive collection of Newspapers are also available, which comprise:
- Eastern State Journal(White Plains) 1845-1916
- The Hudson River Chronicle(Ossining) 1839-1850
- Mount Kisco Recorder 1874-1940
- New Rochelle Pioneer 1882-1919
- Westchester News(White Plains) 1871-1913
- Westchester Spy(White Plains) 1830-1841
- Williamsbridge Courier 1893-1894
- Yonkers Daily Statesman 1884-1900
Numerous databases are on the site, which include:
- Alvah French Scrapbooks Index
- Biography Index
- Cemetery Indexes
- Collections Database
- List of Church Records on Microfilm
- McDonald Papers Index
- Mead Family Papers Inventory
- Richard Mass Collection on Arnold/Andre
Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate:
- Cemeteries
- Guide to Genealogical Research
- Indexes to Westchester Co. Names in the Federal Censuses 1790-1840
- Personal Name Index to J. Thomas Scharf’s History of Westchester County
Website:
http://www.westchesterhistory.com
You can also discover more about the history of New York City.
There is also a Guide to Historical Resources that you may find of use.