Our Shared History. Our Shared Purpose.
Western New York’s strategic location on the Great Lakes has made it both a terminus and gateway of migration. First home to Native American communities, the region was later settled primarily by New Englanders following the Revolutionary War. The opening of the Erie Canal provided an easy route west, attracting the first of many waves of immigrants from Europe. Many people remained in the area and have been followed by immigrants from around the world.
The Western New York Genealogical Society was founded in 1974 to help preserve and encourage interest in the area's rich genealogical heritage. Our work focuses on the eight counties of Western New York - Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany - that were originally part of the Holland Land Company Purchase.
The Society's Objectives:
To make these records available to researchers.
To further genealogical knowledge and research through education.
To foster record preservation by government agencies, organizations, and individuals.
Join Us For Our Next WNYGS Zoom Meeting and Webinar:
"The Third Coast: How the Great Lakes Shaped America" with Cari Taplin
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Recent News, Events, and Updates
04/07/2021: Monthly Library Research Assistance Program Reinstituted
12/31/2020: COVID-19 UPDATES: Monthly Library Research Assistance Suspended Through 02/28/2021
12/15/2020: Society Announces 2021 Board Members
07/15/2020: COVID-19 UPDATES: Monthly Library Research Assistance Suspended Through 12/31/2020
06/15/2020: COVID-19 UPDATES: An Important Message from Society President Bob Balistreri
Connect with Us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WNYGS/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-new-york-genealogical-society-inc-
https://twitter.com/WNYGSOutreach/
