Many New York State libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in the second half of January.
Week of Jan. 14-20
The Tully Free Library will host a Genealogy Club in person the third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome regardless of their level of experience. While learning about how to improve your research skills, you can make use of many genealogy resources at the library, including Ancestry.com.
The Fairport Public Library (Monroe County) will present “Searching for Your Revolutionary War Ancestors” on Monday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. at the library. 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It may seem a little early to get excited about 2026, but in terms of genealogical research, it’s never too early to get started. Presentation of resources will include: DAR, SAR, NARA, fold3.com, WikiTree.com, familysearch.org, ancestry.com, findagrave.com, state archives, plus more. No registration is required.
The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library will present “Finding the Birth Mother – A DNA Case Study” on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. Explore the case study of a woman who was adopted at birth in the early 1950s. Learn steps used to analyze her DNA matches against suggested relatives and how those matches and family tree information were ultimately used to identify her birth parents’ family. To register, go to: https://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/O/OYSTER/ekp.cfm?curOrg=OYSTER and select Jan. 16, 2024.
The Comsewogue Public Library (Suffolk County) will have One-on-One appointments with a genealogy librarian on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Appointments are for 25 minutes from 6-8 p.m. A questionnaire must be filled out before the appointment. To register, go to: https://search.livebrary.com/record=g1100979&searchscope=14&SORT2=R
New York Public Library will present “Getting Organized” on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. This librarian led online class that will provide tips and suggestions for organizing your genealogy research, with the goal of making you a better researcher. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2024/01/17/getting-organized
The Rogers Memorial Library (Suffolk County) will host a Genealogy One-on-One on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 12:30 p.m. Are you looking to begin your family genealogy research journey? Book a 1-on-1 appointment with the Local History Reference Librarian for a 45 minute session. Call the reference desk at 631-283-0774 ext. 505 with any questions.
Red Jacket Public Library (Ontario County) will offer “Genealogy for Adults” on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Come join the fun of learning about your ancestors. Please bring a laptop if you have one! To register, go to: https://owwl.libcal.com/event/11571509
The Springfield Public Library (Otsego County) will host a Family Genealogy Discussion on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 1-2 p.m. Share what you are learning about your family and how you are doing on your genealogical research.
Buffalo and Erie Public Library will host a Collection Assistance Day on Friday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will have volunteers on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and answer general research questions.
The Monroe Free Library (Orange County) will host a Genealogy Walk-In on Friday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come to the Information desk and ask for Mike. He will spend some time with you to try and help answer your genealogy questions. Sign up not needed but it is recommend that you call first so staff can be best prepared to help you.
The Marlboro Public Library will present “Getting Started with Genealogy” on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and “An Introduction to Research Your Family” at noon. Registration is required if you would like to reserve one of the Library’s laptops, as a limited amount are available. For more information, go to the January calendar, https://marlborolibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar?nomobile=1&et=3 and then go to January 20.
The Rochester Public Library will present “Family Finder Genealogy Club” on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library. Are you a fan of family history? Do you wonder who your ancestors were and how you can learn more about them? Whether you are an experienced researcher or just starting out, join our informal monthly gathering. Explore your questions, share your discoveries, and research your family’s past alongside fellow ancestry seekers. Registration is recommended but not required.
Week of Jan. 21-27
The Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. You must register to receive the link for the Zoom program. To register, go to: https://interlakenpubliclibrary.org/event/genealogy-meetup/
The Yonkers Public Library will present “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. Get together to talk about your genealogical research. This will be presented in Spanish and English at the Riverfront branch. To register, go to: https://www.ypl.org/event/create-your-family-tree-crea-tu-arbol-de-familia-32187
The Schuylerville Public Library (Saratoga County) will host a Genealogy Group on Monday, Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop in and get help from our volunteer genealogy experts.
Glen Cove Public Library (Nassau County) will present a Genealogy Round Table meeting on Monday, Jan. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. Small groups meet monthly to share strategies and encourage one another on their research journey. All levels of researchers are welcome. To register, go to: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=GLENCOVE&curID=667777
The Ogden Farmers’ Library (Monroe County) will present “Breaking Down a Brick Wall in My Family Lineage” on Monday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. This is an in-person event.
Longwood Public Library (Suffolk County) will present “Ask A Genealogist” on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. Need help researching your family tree? Reserve time with a genealogy librarian for free one-on-one genealogy research help. Appointments are 50 minutes long. Call (631) 924-6400 Ext. 250 for an appointment. No walk-ins.
The Chili Public Library (Monroe County) will present “Ancestry.com Training” on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. To register, go to: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/11617484
The Rogers Memorial Library (Suffolk County) will host a Genealogy One-on-One on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 12:30 p.m. Are you looking to begin your family genealogy research journey? Book a 1-on-1 appointment with the Local History Reference Librarian for a 45 minute session. Call the reference desk at 631-283-0774 ext. 505 with any questions.
Onondaga Public Library will present “Exploring U.S. Federal and New York State Census Records” on Friday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. Learn about the intricacies of both versions of census records. Discover the hidden gems of ancestral information, learn about the impact of the 1890 US Federal Census fire, and unravel the significance of mortality schedules. To register to receive the Zoom link, go to: https://onlibcentral.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?eventid=33759&lib=1031
Buffalo and Erie Public Library will host a Collection Assistance Day on Saturday, Jan. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will have volunteers on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and answer general research questions.
Buffalo and Erie Public Library will present “Creating Timelines to Aid Genealogy Research” on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Creating timelines is beneficial to enhance family history research, fill in an Ancestor’s life story and often help break through a “brick wall”. The speaker will show how to create and use timelines for genealogy research. To register, go to: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/11640555
Week of Jan. 28 – Feb. 3, 2024
The Crandall Public Library (Warren County) will present “Get to Know Ancestry Library Edition” on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Did you know the library offers Ancestry Library Edition? It’s available on our public computers whenever the library is open. Join us for an introduction to this powerful database and get started exploring your family’s genealogy. Registration is required. To register, go to: https://crandall.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=36966&ongoing=0&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2024/01/01
Chatham Public Library (Columbia County) “Chatham Roots” club will meet on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 2-3 p.m. For beginners, experts and everyone in between. Work on those elusive ancestors, break down your brick walls, share tips and tricks and just have fun. For more information, email michelle@leclairdesign.com.
The South Huntington Library (Suffolk County) will have a Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. Thinking about tracing your roots but don’t know where to start? Retired librarian PJ will be on hand to show you how you can access free genealogical resources, including Ancestry, through the library and to offer search tips and advice. No registration necessary.
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library (Saratoga County) will offer genealogy assistance on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. A genealogy researcher will help you with your questions, roadblocks, and other stumpers.
