Local History and Genealogy Research at NYPL: Guides

Overview of the alternative census conducted in New York City in 1890. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2019. Opens in new window.

Overview of state guidebooks published by the WPA in the late 1930's. A guide by Diane Dias DeFazio, 2017. Opens in new window.

Research guide for NYC schools. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2014. Opens in new window.

Historical newspaper resources online, at the Library and elsewhere. A guide created by Megan Margino, 2014. Opens in new window.

A history of city directories in the United States and New York City. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2012. Opens in new window.

Federal and state census records overview. A guide by Carmen Nigro, 2011. Opens in new window.

Tips for using free online resources to explore your Italian heritage. A guide by Megan Margino, 2015. Opens in new window.

Overview of genealogy guidebooks to help short-cut your family research. A guide by Susan Kriete, 2019. Opens in new window.

Genealogy research tips. A guide by Carmen Nigro, 2011. Opens in new window.

Police records and research resources. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2017. Opens in new window.

Step-by-step guide to searching the census by address, a powerful tool for locating lost ancestors. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2016. Opens in new window.

Resources you can use to research your ancestors from home. A guide by Susan Kriete, 2019. Opens in new window.

Alternative sources for information frequently found in obituaries. A guide by Carmen Nigro, 2011. Opens in new window.

NYPL digital and non-digitized visual collections, in addition to other institutions. A guide by Carmen Nigro, 2014. Opens in new window.

Discover the role your ancestors played in winning the vote for women. A guide by Susan Kriete, 2020. Opens in new window.

Describes resources for researching the history of a business, family-owned or otherwise. A guide by Susan Kriete, 2019. Opens in new window.

Research guide by Megan Margino, 2015. Opens in new window.

Research resources for the Garden State. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2015. Opens in new window.

Baby names and family names research. A guide by Carmen Nigro, 2015. Opens in new window.

Selection of Library resources relating to New York in the American Revolution. A guide by Diane Dias DeFazio, 2017. Opens in new window.

Property research in New York City. A guide by Phil Sutton, 2011. Opens in new window.

Tips for using 19th century guidebooks to research the history of New York City. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2020. Opens in new window.

Wills and estates research. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2016. Opens in new window.

Tips for using published family histories for genealogy research, even if they are not about your own ancestors. A guide by Susan Kriete, 2018. Opens in new window.

A research guide to online and print resources for genealogy related to individuals from Puerto Rico. A guide by Diane Dias De Fazio, 2020. Opens in new window.

Resources for patrons interested in researching possible Loyalist ancestors. A guide by Susan Kriete, 2019. Opens in new window.

Resources on NYC neighborhoods A guide by Megan Margino, 2015. Opens in new window.

Adoptee and Orphan Train resources. A guide by Carmen Nigro, 2013. Opens in new window.

Guidebooks to New York City over time. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2015. Opens in new window.

Guide to finding and using death records for genealogy and history research. A guide by Andy McCarthy, 2016. Opens in new window.

Introduction to useful genealogical databases available on-site at the Library. A guide by Megan Margino, 2016. Opens in new window.

Maps are an essential tool for genealogy research. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2018. Opens in new window.

Tips for using insurance maps for genealogy research. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2018. Opens in new window.

Tips for using maps to trace family immigration stories. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2018. Opens in new window.

Tips for using topographical maps, county maps and atlases to explore your family history. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2018. Opens in new window.

Part Five of series on using maps for genealogy research, focusing on gazetteers. A guide by Philip Sutton, 2018. Opens in new window.

Tips for using postcards as a visual record of the past. A guide by Carmen Nigo, 2015. Opens in new window.

How to conduct and document family history interviews. A guide by Megan Margino, 2015. Opens in new window.

How to research a building in NYC (and beyond). A guide by Phil Sutton. Originally published 2011; updated in 2018. Opens in new window.