June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library
June Partridge Zintz
(1927–2007)
Founder & First President
The Western New York Genealogical Society maintains an expanding reference library that serves as a repository of genealogical information pertaining to Western New York. The primary focus is the eight counties of Western New York - specifically Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. However, the collection also contains information on New York State, New England, as well as other states and many foreign countries. The collection includes more than 3,000 books and 700 rolls of microfilm, family histories, periodicals, and card indexes.
Collection Catalog
As a reference library, collection materials are non-circulating. Books are arranged in a "modified" Dewey Decimal Classification system which is easily understood and usable. Items are catalogued by author, title and subject.
For Download
General Collection Holdings
Atlases, Gazetteers, & Maps
Immigration Resources
Microfilmed Records
Military Records & Resources
Directories & Histories
Guides & Indexes
Periodicals
How To Books
Floor Plan Download
VITAL INDEX OF EARLY WESTERN NEW YORK FAMILIES
Resource of approximately 120,000 index cards containing the birth, death, & marriage information for early Western New York families collected and complied from 75 sources.
VITAL RECORDS & VITAL RECORD SUBSTITUTES
Church Records
Birth, Marriage, Death Records
Cemetery Records
Member-Submitted Bible and Marriage Records
Published & Unpublished Record Manuscripts
ANCESTOR CHARTS, FAMILY HISTORIES, & GENEALOGIES
Collection of Member-Submitted Ancestor Charts
Published & Unpublished Family Histories & Manuscripts
Collection Assistance Days
Each month, WNYGS volunteers are on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society's collection and answer general research questions. The scheduled dates for March and April are as follows:
Sat., 3/4 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sat., 3/25 1-5 p.m.
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Sat., 4/8 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sat., 4/15 1-5 p.m.
Tues., 4/25 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
In addition to these special assistance days, the collection remains accessible to all members and patrons during regular library hours.
Have questions about this program?
Email our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@wnygs.org to learn more.
Research Requests & Referrals
Research Assistance
A s an all-volunteer organization, the society has neither the personnel nor the facilities to handle individual research requests. While the society does not recommend specific individuals, it encourages everyone seeking assistance to do their own research before hiring an outside professional.
Locally, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and The Buffalo History Museum maintain lists of known researchers for hire. Additionally, several professional genealogy trade associations including the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists offer member directories; please note each organization is responsible for establishing its own membership requirements and professional/ethical standards.
In addition to our Collection Assistance Days, the WNYGS Facebook Discussion Group offers society and community members the opportunity to post their questions for fellow researchers. With more than 3,500 members participating, you never know what you might learn or find.
B&ECPL Library Research Services
The Grosvenor Room offers select research services. A summary of services can be found on the library’s website.
Collection Location
The Zintz Collection is housed at the following location:
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Branch
Grosvenor Room (Special Collections & Local History)
1 Lafayette Square
Buffalo, NY 14203
Click to view current library hours.
Grosvenor Room Policies
See the Grosvenor Room’s Visiting Us webpage for information on the library’s policies and amenities.
Collection Guides
The Grosvenor Room's collection finding guides include many WNYGS resources.
Duplication:
Duplication of library materials is restricted to small quantities for personal research. Written permission from WNYGS is required to reproduce more than a small portion (a few images) of an item from the WNYGS collection.