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 Society's Mission and Objectives:

Founded in 1974, The Western New York Genealogical Society's mission is to help preserve and encourage interest in the rich genealogical heritage of the eight counties of Western New York that were part of the original Holland Land Company Purchase - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. Our objectives are to:

foster record preservation by government agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Join Us For Our Next Scheduled Meeting

"Intro to U.S. Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church" with Sunny Morton
Saturday, October 8, 2022
10:30a-12:00p EST
Hybrid Meeting. Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Branch and Zoom.
Advanced registration required for online participants.

Monthly Library Collection Assistance
The Society volunteer schedule for October and November has been announced.
Click the link above for the full list of dates and times.
Location: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Library

Connect with Us!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WNYGS/


https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-new-york-genealogical-society-inc-


https://twitter.com/WNYGSOutreach/