Image of Buffalo waterfront
Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections
Shared
History
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.
Upcoming Society Programs
Reconstructing World War I Army Service Records: Unraveling Ancestral Stories Through Unit Records with Linda Debe
Sat., September 26, 2026 10:30a EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
Reconstructing World War I Army Service Records: Unraveling Ancestral Stories Through Unit Records with Linda Debe
Sat., September 26, 2026 10:30a EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
Upcoming Society Programs
Reconstructing World War I Army Service Records: Unraveling Ancestral Stories Through Unit Records with Linda Debe
Sat., September 26, 2026 10:30a EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
Grand Army Of The Republic -Researching Union Civil War Veterans with Christine Cohen
Thurs., October 22, 2026 7:00p EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
From Clutter to Clean-Organize, Digitize, and Store Photos with Allyson Maughn
Sat., November 21, 2026 10:30a EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
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 summer dates:​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Fri., August 14th 9a-12p
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Wed., August 19th 12-4p
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Sat., August 29th 9a-1p
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In addition to these special assistance days, the collection remains accessible to all members and patrons during regular library hours.
Original Holland Land Company Vault
(Mayville, NY)