Many New York State public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in the first half of December. A second posting of events will follow in two weeks.
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 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 Riverhead Free Library (Suffolk County) offers genealogy assistance every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. Appointments are one hour long. You can make an appointment at genealogy@riverheadlibrary.org or by calling the reference desk at 631-727-3228 x301.
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 Williamson Public Library (Wayne County) will have one-on-one genealogy sessions every Friday at 12:50 p.m. Registration is required. To register, go to: https://owwl.libcal.com/calendar?t=d&q=genealogy&cid=12971&cal=12971&inc=0
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 December 1-6
Western New York Genealogy Society volunteers will be on-site in the Grosvenor Room, located on the first floor of the Buffalo Central Library, on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and to answer general genealogy questions. No registration is required.
New York Public Library will present “Researching Passenger Lists” on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Get started using genealogy research methods and resources to search for people in ship passenger lists for vessels arriving at U.S. ports in the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn about the history of ship passenger lists, the information they contain, and where you can find them. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2025/12/03/researching-ship-passenger-lists
South Huntington Public Library (Suffolk County) will offer an in person Genealogy Drop-In on Thursday, Dec. 4 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, Dec. 4 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, Dec. 4 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 Family Finders club will meet at the Rochester Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. 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 informal monthly gathering. December’s topic will be New York State Records. To register, go to: https://calendar.libraryweb.org/event/15488426
Week of December 7-13
Western New York Genealogy Society volunteers will be on-site in the Grosvenor Room, located on the first floor of the Buffalo Central Library, on Sunday, Dec. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and to answer general genealogy questions. No registration is required.
Chemung County Libraries will present “African American Genealogy” on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. This is a virtual program. Learn to research your African American Genealogy with Certified Genealogist LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/african-american-genealogy-labrenda-garrett-nelson-9025
Rogers Memorial Library (Suffolk County) will be offering one-on-one genealogy assistance on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. Are you looking to begin your family genealogy research journey? Book a 1-on-1 appointment with a librarian for a 45 minute session. Call the reference desk at 631-283-0774 ext. 505 with any questions.
Western New York Genealogy Society volunteers will be on-site in the Grosvenor Room, located on the first floor of the Buffalo Central Library, on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and to answer general genealogy questions. No registration is required.
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will host a Genealogy Club on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. This is a Zoom presentation. Join the Steele Memorial Library for an informal get together to talk about search tips and resources available to search your family history. The purpose of the club is to share information on records and approaches for starting or extending participants’ genealogical research. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/copy-genealogy-club-3834
