Member Meetings & Programs
The Western New York Genealogical Society hosts a minimum of six member meetings a year. These meetings are generally held on the third Saturday of the month during March, April, May, September, October and November (unless special opportunities or conflicts arise). Occasionally, bonus webinars, trips, and workshops may be offered during the year.
As a special benefit for members, videorecordings and digital handouts are made available whenever possible.
Upcoming Society Programs
Apr 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDTVirtual Meeting - ZoomCome and meet with other NextGen SIG members and SIG Chair, Gabrielle Kandefer, who are researching their family history and learning more about genealogy. Bring your questions & research you’d like to discuss.
May 16, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDTBuffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203, USAIn this free community lecture, explore the future of cemetery research – including BillionGraves, FindAGrave, and other apps and databases – highlighting different strategies and approaches to make the most out of cemetery research.
Jun 20, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDTZoom (Virtual Event)Learn about the different types of Irish census records available, where to find them, and how to use them to uncover your family’s unique story. As well as looking at the currently available historic census records including the newly released 1926 census.
Advanced registration is required for most programs.
After registering for an online program, you will receive a Zoom confirmation email containing the meeting link.
Questions or Suggestions?
Have a question about an upcoming program?
Do you have a suggestion for a program topic or speaker?
Past Programs
2026 Programs
[VMA] indicates the content is available for viewing in the Members Area.
Apr 18, 2026: "Colonial Records from UK Repositories Now Available at Our Fingertips" presented by Diane L. Richard [VMA]
Mar 21, 2026: "Spotlight on the City of Buffalo" - A Panel Discussion
Feb 21, 2026 "Railroads Records and Railroad History: East to the West" presented by Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
Jan 17, 2026 "Charting Your Family's Past: The Power of Maps in Genealogy" presented by Amy Rose Ward [VMA]
2025 Programs
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Nov 15, 2025: Annual Business Meeting & "Voting Records: Genealogy's Best Kept Secret" presented by Pam Vestal [Flyer]
Oct 18, 2025: "No OMPF? No Problem!" presented by Sara Cochran [Flyer]
Sep 20, 2025: "Ten Things Every Eastern European Genealogist Should Know" presented by Lisa Alzo [Flyer]
June 21, 2025: Spotlight on Cattaraugus County
May 24, 2025: Community Event - Family History Day 2025
In-Person Event - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central Library, Buffalo, NY
May 17, 2025: "Lure Your Ancestors Out of the National Register of Historic Places" presented by Michelle Spencer [Flyer]
Apr 12, 2025: "From Local Militia to the Continental Line" presented by Bryna O'Sullivan [Flyer]
Mar 15, 2025: "Sifting Through the Cookbooks for Our Female Ancestors" presented by Eleanor O. Brinsko [Flyer]
Feb 15 2025: "The Underground Railroad Run Through Here" presented by Janice Lovelace [Flyer]
Jan 11 2025: "Analyzing Census Data Using Spreadsheets" presented by Tara Shymanski [Flyer]
Click to learn more about our past NextGen and Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group programs.
Prior Programs (2021-2024)
Member Program Photo Gallery
Click any image to learn more about past WNYGS programs and events.