Many New York public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in the second half of August.
Week of August 16 – 22
The Fairport Public Library (Monroe County) will have a Genealogy Club meeting on Monday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. The topic this month will be the Daughters of the American Revolution website. This website has documentation about Patriots that can assist you even if you don’t have a Patriot ancestor and you don’t need to be a DAR member to use the site. To register for the program, go to: https://fairportlibrary.libcal.com/event/13363361
Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will be at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Central Library on Wednesday, August 19 from noon to 4 p.m. to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and answer general research questions.
Week of August 23- 30
New York Public Library will present “Introduction to Jewish Genealogy Research: Local History and Genealogy Collections” on Wednesday, August 26 at 2 p.m. This is a Zoom presentation. Join librarians for an introduction to Jewish genealogical research, focusing on genealogy basics, local history and genealogy collection resources and online databases. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2026/08/11/using-jewish-newspapers-research-new-york-public-library
Yonkers Public Library (Westchester County) will offer “Create Your Family Tree” on Thursday, August 27 at 2 p.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-113197
The New York Public Library will present “Next Steps in Jewish Genealogy” on Thursday, August 27 at 2 p.m. This is a Zoom presentation. Learn about the Dorot Jewish Division resources and Jewish-specific materials to enhance your family history research. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2026/08/27/next-steps-jewish-genealogy
The Onondaga County Public Libraries will present “Beyond the Index: Exploring FamilySearch’s New Frontier” on Friday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. Learn how to use FamilySearch’s new full-text search capabilities. Learn how to search using names, places, dates and keywords. These searches can uncover records that would otherwise remain hidden. Also covered will be the limitations such as transcription errors, false matches and the importance of verifying every discovery. To register, go to: https://onlib-central.libcal.com/event/17223109
Volunteers from the Western New York Genealogical Society will be at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Central Library on Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist researchers with the society’s library collection and answer general research questions.
