Many New York public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in the second half of May.
Week of May 18 – 24
Fairport Public Library (Monroe County) will present “Genealogy Resources at the University of Rochester” on Monday, May 19 at 2 p.m. The Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation (RBSCP) at the University of Rochester has a range of published and manuscript collections of interest to genealogists. This talk will help researchers understand what they have, what they don’t have, and how to access its collections. To register, go to: https://fairportlibrary.libcal.com/event/13363346
Yonkers Public Library will offer “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, May 19 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-61943
The Port Jervis Free Library (Orange County) will present a Genealogy Workshop on Wednesday, May 21 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.
The Crandall Public Library will offer a One-on-One genealogy assistance on Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. Are you interested in your family history but have no idea where to start? Has your genealogy research recently hit a brick wall? No appointment is necessary. Just drop-in for assistance.
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (Erie County) will present “Virtual Tours of Western New York Repositories” on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. Learn what online resources Western New York libraries and archives have to offer. This is a virtual program. To register, go to: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/14279336
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will present “Cemetery Research” on Thursday, May 21 at 1:30 p.m. in the PC Lab. Join the genealogy librarian to learn all about finding your ancestor’s in cemeteries. Learn about Local cemetery research and using sites like find-a-grave and billion graves! To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/cemetery-research-3106
New York Public Library will present “Introduction to Jewish Genealogy” and “Next Steps in Jewish Genealogy” on Thursday, May 22 at 1 and 3 p.m. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2025/05/22/introduction-jewish-genealogy-research-local-history-and-genealogy and https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2025/05/22/next-steps-jewish-genealogy
The Onondaga County Public Libraries will present “Syracuse and Its Ties to the Erie Canal” on Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Join us as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Village of Syracuse’s incorporation (April 13, 1825) and delve into the early days of the community that would become the Salt City. This updated session will also feature genealogy research tips for the pre-1850s era, with a special focus on tracing ancestors who may have lived or worked along the Erie Canal or in the Central New York region. To register, go to: https://onlib-central.libcal.com/event/14349092
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will host a Family History Day on Saturday, May 24 from 1-3 p.m. This is an in-person program. Curious about your genealogy or unsure where to start tracing your family’s history? Join us for the Grosvenor Room’s 3rd annual Family History Day and discover valuable resources to help you on your journey!
Week of May 25 – 31
Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County” will present “10 Genealogical Brick Walls You Will Face” on Tuesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. This is a virtual program. In this presentation learn about the most common kinds of brick walls and learn some tricks for demolishing them. This talk is for both absolute beginners as well as intermediate and more advanced genealogists. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/10-genealogical-brick-walls-you-will-face-and-how-demolish-them-robert-cameron-weir-3843
Interlaken Public Library (Seneca County) will offer a virtual Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, May 28 at 11 a.m. You must register to receive the link for the Zoom program. To register, go to: https://interlakenpubliclibrary.org/events/
The Ogden Farmers’ Library (Monroe County) will present “The Speaking Stones of Spencerport” on Friday, May 30 at 2 p.m. They say you die twice. Once when you take your last breath and again when your name is no longer spoken. Find out what Spencerport’s tombstones say to strangers long after the individual is gone. This is an in-person presentation. To register, go to: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/14417421
