Many New York State public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in November.
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 November 3-9
Yonkers Public Library (Westchester County) will present “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, Nov. 4 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-53298
South Huntington Public Library (Suffolk County) will offer an in person Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, Nov. 7 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, Nov. 7 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.
Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will be at the Central Library of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library on Friday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to offer research assistance.
Buffalo and Erie County Public Library will present “Ask the Genealogist” on Friday, Nov. 8 at 1:30 p.m. In this Q&A session, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Genealogy Specialist, Rhonda Hoffman, will give research advice about Western New York genealogy and the library’s family history resources. The program will take place at the Orchard Park Senior Center. To register, call 716-662-6452.
Week of Nov. 10-16
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library will present “New York State Vital Records” on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Piece together your family history with vital records. This introductory class with provide the history, content, and significance of New York State births, marriages and death records. Learn tips on navigating online New York vital records and about the unique collections available at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. To register, go to: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/12954801
The Guilderland Public Library (Albany County) will host a Genealogy Assistance Program on Wednesday, Nov. 13 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.
The Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, Nov. 14 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-34/
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will host a Genealogy Lab on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. Search for your family tree on Steele Library Computers in the PC Lab. Use our resources: Ancestry library edition, Fold3, Newspapers.com library edition, and more! To register, go to the November calendar of events and click on November 14.
The Monroe Free Library (Orange County) will a Walk-In Genealogy program on Friday, Nov. 15 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.
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 “Beginning Genealogy” on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. Learn how to get started with genealogy and about the online resources available through the Iroquois Genealogy Society. To register, go to: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/13096902
The Onondaga County Public Llibraries will present “Capturing Memories” on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the Petit Branch. This is an in-person program. Learn practical tips for identifying, preserving and protecting old photos, ensuring they remain keepsakes for generations to come. Registration is recommended but not required. To register, go to: https://onlib-central.libcal.com/event/13359744
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will host a Genealogy Club on Saturday, Nov. 16 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 November calendar of events and click on Nov. 16.
Week of November 17-23
The Chili Public Library (Monroe County) will offer in-person Ancestry.com training on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. To register, go to: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/12827666
Greece Public Library will present “Genealogy Basics” on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 2:30-3:30 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/genealogy-basics-15831
The Rochester Genealogical Society will host a DNA Help Session at the Irondequoit Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 20 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, Nov. 20 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.
New York Public Library will present “Census Research and Vital Records” on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. First, learn how to search for and find your ancestors on birth, marriage, and death certificates. Next learn about the history of the U.S. Federal Census, types of census records that exist, and search strategies to use in your genealogy research. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2024/11/20/census-research-and-vital-records
Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will be at the Central Library of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 23 from noon to 5 p.m.. to offer research assistance.
Week of November 24-30
The Central New York Genealogical Society Genealogy Interest Group will present “In Honor of Our Veteran Ancestors” on Monday, Nov.25 at 6 p.m. Attendees are invited to share letters or photos of your ancestor’s time in service and to tell stories of their veteran ancestors. In addition, there will be a discussion of how you researched military records. If you are not on the email list for the group, send a request for the link to susanproch@gmail.com
The Glen Cove Public Library (Nassau County) will host a Genealogy Roundtable on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. Share strategies and encourage one another on your research journey. All levels of researchers are welcome. To register, go to: https://www.glencovelibrary.org/ and click on the Calendar of Events and go to November 26.
