This guide is designed to be a resource for patrons getting started with genealogy research, but will also be of use to historians and biographers. It features tips and suggestions for information resources, including links to print and digital collections accessible at The New York Public Library (NYPL), and to databases and websites that you can access anywhere with the Internet. Access to some databases requires that you have a NYPL library card - you can apply for one online or at any branch of The New York Public Library.
Look for books, microfilm, periodicals, archive collections, and more at NYPL Research Catalog
Search archive and manuscript collections, including Family Files, at archives.nypl.org and the NYPL Research Catalog.
Explore maps, photographs, city directories, and other digital resources free online at NYPL Digital Collections
Search for genealogy databases and other online resources at NYPL Articles & Databases: Genealogy
Please send your questions about genealogy research to history@nypl.org
Sign up for an online genealogy class at NYPL at nypl.org/events/genealogy-essentials
The Oxford English Dictionary describes genealogy as:
For the purposes of this guide we will take genealogy to mean:
Genealogy research is detective work, and can utilize many different sources of information.
For instance:
Records created by:
Published sources
Family or personal archives e.g.
Archive collections
Manuscripts, papers, correspondence and other documents of
To these types of materials you could add images (photographs, paintings, illustrations), ephemera (e.g. postcards, pamphlets, tickets, buttons) and objects (e.g., frakturs, quilts, gravestones, memorials).
Materials used by genealogists might be digitized in free or subscription databases, on microfilm, in print, or in special collections. To access these materials you may need to visit libraries, archives, or historical and genealogical societies. The good news is there are usually librarians, archivists, curators, and other information professionals at these locations that can help you find the information you need.
Libraries
New York
Libraries
Archives
Historical and genealogical societies
Research centers
For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:
Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections.
Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and MAGic software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading.
The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org
For more information, see the Accessibility at NYPL page.