July 16, 2007 - WNYGS Purchases Canadian Border Crossing Records

The Western New York Genealogical Society announces a major addition to our Library, located in the Grosvenor Room of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. WNYGS has purchased 165 microfilm rolls of Manifests of Alien Arrivals at Buffalo, Lewiston, Niagara Falls and Rochester, New York, 1902-1954. This collection known as Canadian Border Crossings represents over one million alien arrivals in the United States. Arranged by Soundex Code, the records include Manifests, Records of Registry, Applications for Resident Alien's Border Crossing Identification Cards, Land Border Departure Records and Primary Inspection Memorandum cards.

The information included on each type of card varies, however, some of the cards include: name, date of birth, place of birth, residence before coming to the United States, port and date of arrival, destination, name and address of alien's nearest relative or friend in the country from which he or she came, whether deportation was appealed, physical description, photograph, signature, fingerprint, occupation, or intention to leave the United States. The Guide to how to use the Canadian Border Crossings is on top of the microfilm cabinet.

WNYGS purchased this collection in honor of our late Treasurer and Library Chairman, Virginia (Ginny) Zugger (1302) and Kathleen Seeley Cannamela (1096F) former President, Vice President and Program Chairman. Both Ginny and Kathy were valued members of the Society, held numerous board positions and contributed greatly to the growth of the Society. The Board thought that a fitting tribute to their memory would be purchasing these Alien Manifests.

See the Society JOURNAL for other library acquisitions.

Last updated: Friday, July 27, 2007