About the Society

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:

• facilitate the collection and preservation of genealogical records relating to the history and peoples of Western New York's eight counties;

• make these records available to researchers;

• further genealogical knowledge and research through education; and

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