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June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library

image of western new York Genealogical Society founder, June Partridge Zintz

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. 

image of Western New York Genealogical Society's Zintz Collection at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

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. 

Library Chair:


Rhonda Hoffman
libra
rian@wnygs.org

For Download

General Collection Holdings

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Atlases, Gazetteers, & Maps
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Immigration Resources
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Microfilmed Records
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Military Records & Resources

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Directories & Histories
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Guides & Indexes

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Periodicals
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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Published & Unpublished Record Manuscripts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Published & Unpublished Family Histories & Manuscripts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. Join us on the following dates:

  • Sat., 5/6  9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Sat., 5/13  9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

  • Sat., 6/10  9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Before and during B&ECPL Family History Day)

  • Sat., 6/24  1-3 p.m. (Before B&ECPL Special Collections Tour)

  • Sat., 7/15  9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Sat., 7/22  1-3 p.m. (Before B&ECPL Special Collections Tour)

  • Sat., 8/12  9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Sat., 8/26  1-3 p.m. (Before B&ECPL Special Collections Tour)

In addition to these special assistance days, the collection remains accessible to all members and patrons during regular library hours.

image of society volunteers talking and offering advice to patrons at library

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.

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