Many New York State public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in October.
The Hamlin Public Library (Monroe County) provides free Genealogy Help every Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. Need help with your family tree? Stop by or call ahead and make an appointment with Tracy. For more information, call 585-964-2320 or go to: https://hamlinlibraryny.org/
The Walworth Seeley Public Library (Wayne County) provides genealogy assistance every Monday from 2-4 p.m. For more information, go to: https://www.walworthlibrary.org/genealogy-local-history
The Prendergast Library (Chautauqua County) holds a Genealogy Lab Workshop every Friday from 2-4 p.m. https://www.prendergastlibrary.org/genealogy-and-memory-lab/
Week of October 1-5
South Huntington Public Library (Suffolk County) will offer an in person Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. Thinking about tracing your roots but don’t know where to start? Or maybe your search is under way and you’ve hit a dead end. 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.
The Chatham Public Library (Columbia County) will host Chatham Roots genealogy club on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. This free monthly genealogy club can assist in the search for your family. For beginners, experts and everyone in between. We will work on those elusive ancestors, break down your brick walls, share tips and tricks and just have fun. For information and the zoom link (if you are unable to attend in person), please contact Michelle at michelle@leclairdesign.com.
The Rochester Genealogical Society and the Rochester Public Library will host Family Finder Genealogy Club on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Branch of the Rochester Public 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 this friendly, informal monthly gathering. Explore your questions, share your discoveries, and research your family’s past alongside fellow ancestry seekers.
Week of October 6-12
Yonkers Public Library (Westchester County) will present “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. Get together to talk about your genealogical research. Learn how to access thousands of genealogical records using the Library’s online resources and databases such as HeritageQuest, Family Search and Ancestry! This is an English and Spanish bilingual program. To register, go to: https://www.ypl.org/event/create-your-family-tree-crea-tu-arbol-de-familia-53296
The Smithtown Public Library (Suffolk County) will present “Genealogy 102” on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Learn techniques to break down your research brick walls and tips on using resources beyond the U.S. DNA testing will not be covered in depth but the potential power of incorporating DNA testing into your genealogist’s toolkit will be covered. To register, go to: https://www.smithlib.org/event/genealogy-102-59580
The Guilderland Public Library (Albany County) will host a Genealogy Assistance Program on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty offers one on one family history consultations at the Library. This is a drop-in session; no need to make an appointment.
Greece Public Library will present “Genealogy for Seniors” on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Researching your family history can be an extremely rewarding (and daunting) project. Let’s get started with the basics in this easy-to-understand program! Attendees will receive a free Genealogy Organizer Journal to help keep track of all your hard work. To register, go to: https://greecepl.librarycalendar.com/event/senior-hour-tba-6967
The Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, Oct. 10 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-32/
The Onondaga County Public Libraries will present “Organize Your Family History” on Friday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. Learn how to organize your genealogical research specifically for writing your family’s story. Discover techniques that transform scattered information into a cohesive structure. Register to receive Zoom link and handouts. To register, go to: https://onlib-central.libcal.com/event/13247082
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library will present “Exile McBride: Irish Freedom Fighter” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. When Mike McBride started exploring his family history, he never realized that he was related to a once famous Irish rebel, exiled from Ireland. Using DNA technology and old newspapers, Mike discovered that his ancestor spent 40 years in Buffalo, working as a photographer and a proponent of Irish independence. Learn more about this fascinating story and the power of genealogy to rediscover your family’s past. This is an in-person program.
Week of October 13-19
The Tully Free Library (Onondaga County) will have a Genealogy Club meeting in person from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. 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 Chili Public Library (Monroe County) will offer in-person Ancestry.com training on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. To register, go to: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/12827665
The Rochester Genealogical Society will host a DNA Help Session at the Irondequoit Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. Registration is required for DNA Sessions. DNA Help Sessions are designed to assist individuals and/or small groups answer DNA questions and help guide you in utilizing DNA in your research. Please register and complete the short registration form and if you have any questions, please email DNA@nyrgs.org.
The Crandall Public Library (Warren County) will offer one-on-one genealogy assistance on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Are you interested in your family history but have no idea where to start? Has your genealogy research recently hit a brick wall? Having trouble tracing an immigrant ancestor back to her country of origin? No appointment is necessary. Just drop in.
The Monroe Free Library (Orange County) will a Walk-In Genealogy program on Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 – 11 a.m. 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 recommended that you call first so he can be best prepared to help you.
Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will be at the Central Library of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library on Friday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to offer research assistance.
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will host a Genealogy Club on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The purpose of the club is to share information on records and approaches for starting or extending participants’ genealogical research. Participants are encouraged to bring records and problems from their own research for discussion. To register, go to the October calendar of events and click on October 19.
