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Image of Buffalo waterfront

Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections


Shared
History

Logo of the Western new York Genealogical Society

Western New York’s strategic location on the Great Lakes has made it both a terminus and a 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 others from around the world.

Membership

Experience everything membership has to offer - both in-person and online.

Volunteer

Make a difference by sharing your time, skills, and expertise with WNYGS. 

Donate

Support our work and mission by making financial contribution today.  

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

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Saturday, November 16, 2024 
“Twenty Years of Stuff - Now What Do I Do?” with Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL

10:30 AM EDT WNYGS Monthly Meeting

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT Program

Virtual Zoom Event

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Featured Resources

SOCIETY LIBRARY

June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library Collection

DATABASE

Buffalo New York Deaths Collection Index

PUBLICATIONS

Western New York Genealogist and Journal

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Idea 2

NEXTGEN SIG

2025 Event Brainstorming

Survey

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Collection Assistance Days

Each month, WNYGS volunteers are on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society's library collection and answer general research questions.

 

Join us for these upcoming fall and winter dates:​​​​​​​​​​ â€‹

  • Fri., 10/18, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

  • Fri., 11/8, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  

  • Sat., 11/23, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. (includes BECPL Special Collections Tour)

  • Fri., 12/14, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

  • Sat., 12/28, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. (includes BECPL Special Collections Tour)

image of small building - historic Holland Land Company Vault in Manville, New York

Original Holland Land Company Vault
(Mayville, NY)

50th Anniversary Scrapbook

News and Updates

May 16, 2024: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and the Western New York Genealogical Society's online exhibit, “Buffalo's Neighborhoods: Exploring Our Migrant and Immigrant Heritage", Named 2024 Winner of the National Genealogical Society Conference SLAM! Idea Showcase

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Jan 1, 2024: Society Celebrates 50 Years

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