Many New York State public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in the first half of May. A second posting of events will follow in two weeks.
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 Gates Public Library (Monroe County) will provide genealogy assistance every Friday from 1-4 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 585-247-6446.
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 May 1-3
South Huntington Public Library (Suffolk County) will offer an in person Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, May 1 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.
Clifton Park – Halfmoon Public Library (Saratoga County) will a Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drop in with questions from 11 am-12 pm, stay for the round table discussion starting at noon.
The Chatham Public Library (Columbia County) will host Chatham Roots genealogy club on Thursday, May 1 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.
Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will host a Genealogy Club meeting on Saturday, May 3 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. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/genealogy-club-3827
The Family Finders Genealogy Club will meet at the Rochester Public Library Central Library on Saturday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. 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. To register, go to: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/14113281?hs=a
Week of May 4 – 10
Yonkers Public Library will offer “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, May 5 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-61942
Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, May 8 at 11 a.m. You must register to receive the link for the Zoom program. To register, go to: https://interlakenpubliclibrary.org/events/
Week of May 11-17
The New City Public Library (Orange County) will present “FamilySearch for Genealogy” on Monday, May 12 at 10 a.m. FamilySearch.org is a great place to start your genealogical research. Take a walk through some of the most commonly used features with Local History Librarian Joe Barbieri. This program will be in-person at the library.
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will present “Which DNA Test and Why” on Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. Learning more about your ancestry and connecting with relatives using DNA technology sounds like a great idea, but how do you begin? In this one-hour program learn the different types of DNA tests and the specific purpose for each one. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/dna-basics-which-test-why-dave-robison-3228
The Canajoharie Library (Montgomery County) and the Arkell Museum will present an in-person Genealogy Meet up on Wednesday, May 14 at 2 p.m. This is an informal gathering for those working on genealogy and family history research. Come share ideas, resources and get questions answered. Bring a laptop or tablet if you have one.
The Guilderland Public Library (Albany County) will have a Drop-In Genealogy Assistance program on Wednesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. This is a drop-in session; no need to make an appointment.
The Oceanside Public Library ( Nassau County) will present “What the Heck Does That Say?” on May 15 at 7 p.m. Whether you struggle to navigate colonial penmanship that doesn’t even look like English or wrestle with contemporary documents that are poorly written, a few good strategies can make all the difference. We’ll look at more than 20 techniques to help you figure out what the chicken scratches on the page say as well as what the style of writing might reveal about our ancestors. This is an in person program.
The Rochester Genealogical Society will host a DNA Help Session at the Irondequoit Public Library on Wednesday, May 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.
