Many New York State public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in January.
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 January 1-5
South Huntington Public Library (Suffolk County) will offer an in person Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, Jan. 2 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, Jan. 2 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.
Week of January 6-12
The Glen Cove Public Library (Nassau County) will host a Genealogy Roundtable on Tuesday, Jan. 7 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 Jan. 7.
New York Public Library will present “Getting Started in Genealogy” on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. Experienced librarians demonstrate the steps involved in starting your family history research. Discover essential research methods and strategies, identify relevant records and how to locate them, and organize your family research information. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2025/01/08/getting-started-genealogy-research
The Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, Jan. 9 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/
Steele Memorial Library will host a Genealogy Club meeting on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. Join the Steele Memorial Library for an informal get together to talk about search tips and resources available to search your family history. Novices and experienced researchers are both welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring records and problems from their own research for discussion. To register, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ucuqpqDorEtADr1MgZqoCW3qwGKKM9it1
Longwood Public Library will host a Genealogy Drop-In on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. Explore the branches of your family tree with the library’s Local History Librarian. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced genealogist, join us for a casual and informative gathering where you can share discoveries, seek guidance, and connect with others on the journey to uncovering your roots. For more information, go to: https://www.longwoodlibrary.org/event/genealogy-drop-149797
Week of January 13-19
Yonkers Public Library (Westchester County) will present “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, Jan. 13 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-61934
The New City Public Library will present “Online Genealogy with Ancestry.com” on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. Learn the basics of the library’s Ancestry.com database. Practice searching basic birth, marriage and death records and learn some helpful tips for your genealogy projects. To register, go to: https://newcity.librarycalendar.com/event/online-genealogy-ancestrycom-55357
The Rochester Genealogical Society will host a DNA Help Session at the Irondequoit Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 15 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 Port Jervis Free Library (Orange County) will present a Genealogy Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. A discussion between those looking into their family tree, as well as hands on help using Ancestry.com as a resource, and tips and guidance from the president of the Minisink Historical Society. To register, call the library at 845-856-7313.
Oceanside Public Library (Nassau County) will present “Passenger Lists and Naturalization Records” on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. Learn an overview of where to find passenger lists online as well as where to locate free indexes for naturalization records. To register, go to: https://oceansidelibrary.libcal.com/event/13505917
The Monroe Free Library (Orange County) will a Walk-In Genealogy program on Friday, Jan. 17 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.
Week of January 20-26
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library will present “Online Western New York Church Records” on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. Explore digital Western New York church records in this genealogy workshop. This course combines short lectures with hands-on research activities, designed to develop practical skills in locating and analyzing historical church documents. To register, go to: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/13793496
The Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, Jan. 23 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-2/
The Onondaga County Public Libraries will present “21 Strategies for Deciphering Old Handwriting” on Friday, Jan 24 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Are you struggling to make sense of old census records, letters, or journals in your research? The presenter has created and authored courses on old handwriting. Register for this program at: https://onlib-central.libcal.com/event/13768996
Week of January 27-February 1
Yonkers Public Library (Westchester County) will present “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, Jan. 27 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-61935
