Many New York public libraries will be offering free genealogy programs in the second half of September.
Week of September 14 – 21
The Schoharie Library will present “Getting Started with Your Family History” on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. Learn guidelines for gathering information, effectively using DNA testing and social media and organizing your research. To register, go to: https://bit.ly/genealogy9-16
The Chemung County Libraries will present “Researching NY Civil War Ancestors” on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. This is a Zoom program. Learn how to identify and research Civil War soldiers using records available online and at various repositories. The program will focus on the use of federal, state and family records and how to avoid common pitfalls. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/researching-ny-civil-war-ancestors-laura-congleton-3226
The Crandall Public Library will offer a One-on-One genealogy assistance on Wednesday, Sept. 17 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. For more information, go to: https://www.crandalllibrary.org/folklife-center/programs-and-events/family-history-one-to-one/
The Batavia Public Library will present “Introduction to Genealogy and Family History: Part 1” on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. This three course will cover the basics of beginning your family history, including the process, data collection, and organization of information. You will learn about various types of important records and how to access them. To register, go to: https://www.batavialibrary.org/genealogy-life-past-lane-workshop-series
The Western New York Genealogy Society will have volunteers on-site at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Central Library on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. Volunteers will assist researchers with the society’s library collection and answer general research questions.
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (Erie County) will present “Jumpstart Your Genealogy” on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. Jump-start your genealogy with this introduction to family history research. You will learn basic genealogy concepts, the types of records used, and an overview of the genealogy resources available through the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System. To register, go to: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/15016851
The Oceanside Public Library (Nassau County) will have an In Person Genealogy Club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. This will be an informal catch up, members can share updates to their research, ask questions, offer research suggestions.
The Steele Memorial Library (Chemung County) will host a Genealogy Club on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. This is a Zoom presentation. The topic will be DAR Genealogical Research. To register, go to: https://www.chemunglibraries.org/event/genealogy-club-3831
Week of September 22 – 29
The Port Jefferson Public Library (Suffolk County) will present “Introduction to FamilySearch.org” on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Learn how to set up a free account on FamilySearch and begin building your family tree. Other topics will include: searching unindexed records, the FamilySearch Wiki, and how to add memories to a profile. To register, go to: https://portjeff.librarycalendar.com/event/familysearch-genealogy-7393
New York Public Library will present “Writing Your Family History” on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. Learn how to shape your genealogy research into a cohesive narrative of your family history. Explore different types of family history styles and writing manuals to guide your project. To register, go to: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2025/09/25/writing-your-family-history
Interlaken Public Library will offer a Genealogy Meetup on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. Join seasoned researchers for a meetup to discuss research tips and tricks, get help with your research, and enjoy other researchers who share your love of family history. To register, go to: https://interlakenpubliclibrary.org/event/genealogy-meetup-2/
The Batavia Public Library will present “Introduction to Genealogy and Family History: Part 2” on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. This three course will cover the basics of beginning your family history, including the process, data collection, and organization of information. You will learn about various types of important records and how to access them. To register, go to: https://www.batavialibrary.org/genealogy-life-past-lane-workshop-series
The Onondaga County Public Libraries will present “Birthright Citizenship and the Legacy of Wong Kim Ark” on Friday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. In 1898, a young man named Wong Kim Ark took his fight for U.S. citizenship all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. This program explores the lasting impact of his case on the concept of birthright citizenship. We’ll also explore how restrictive immigration laws shaped family histories. To register, go to: https://onlib-central.libcal.com/event/14861279
The Riverhead Free Library (Suffolk County) will present “Introduction to FamilySearch.org” on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. Learn how to create a free account, add your family to the Shared Tree, add Memories within Copyright laws and how to access free online consultations. To register, go to: https://www.riverheadlibrary.org/event/family-search-52558
Yonkers Public Library will offer “Create Your Family Tree” on Monday, Sept. 29 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-61952
