Bible & Marriage Records In its continuing work to make unique genealogical information available, the society has been collecting, processing, and indexing member-submitted bible and marriage records. The master index and any materials received are maintained as part of the June P. Zintz Memorial Library Collection . Additionally, submission updates (with any related surname and locality information) are published in the society's quarterly, the Western New York Genealogist, as they are received. Copy Requests Those seeking copies of collection submissions can email their requests to biblerecords@wnygs.org. Please include the surname and the referenced volume and issue numbers. The cost is $1.00 per page that may be paid by PayPal (link will be emailed) or by check. All checks (made payable to "WNYGS") should be mailed to: WNYGS Bible & Marriage Records, Attn: Jennifer Liber Raines, 25 Brompton Ct., Orchard Park, NY 14127. Enhanced Collection Index Launching in spring 2027 Featured Project Kittinger Family Bible Project Type(s): Scanning and Placement Physical Description: Bound and mahoghany-boxed Christoph Saur Bible (1776) Genealogical Content: Handwritten history of the Kittinger family from 1753 to 1880 in English. Leaves in front of the New Testament include fragmentary bible record entries from 1753(?) to 1799 in German. Locality: Erie and Niagara Counties Placed: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Grosvenor Room, Rare Books View record in BECPL catalog Submissions Individuals are encouraged to submit bible and marriage records for inclusion in the collection. Once reviewed and approved, the information becomes a resource for researchers today and in the future. Required Components Copy of the record – High-quality print or photocopy of the image or high-quality scan of the original record – Where applicable, please include a copy of the title page from the published bible. Transcription of the original text found in the record Name and location of current recordholder Submitter's name and contact information Transcriber’s name and contact information Any relevant background information on the record or family. General Instructions Copy or scan your record in color (preferred) or greyscale. Please make sure the image is as clear and legible as possible. Prepare the transcription of your record as per the instructions below. For all your submissions, please remember to have space along the margins to allow for binding. [Ideally, include a margin of at least 1.25” on the left and at least 0.5” on the other three sides. The larger margin area should appear on the longest side.] Print the image of your record in color (preferred) or greyscale. Print any supporting information about the record in black ink only. All submissions should be copied or printed onto high-quality 8.5 x 11” paper - preferably, acid-free. Transcription Instructions Accurate transcriptions are key for collection processing and patron use. In most instances, the spellings of the names found in your records will be more familiar to you than to those who will be reviewing them. Please transcribe the records using the following format: Title – Assign the record a clear and specific title. – Examples: “John Smith Family Bible Record” or “Smith – Jones Family Bible Record”; “John Smith and Mary Jones Marriage Record” Owner and Copyist – Provide the name and address of the present owner of the record (if known). – Provide the name and address of the copyist and the date copied. – Note whether your copy was made from the original record or a copy. – If your record is a copy of a copy, state when and by whom the earlier copy was made (if known), and where you found this copy. Description of the Record – Describe whether the record is from a bible, personal papers, etc. and fully describe the original source. – For a published bible, please remember to provide a copy of the title page (includes such information as the title of bible edition, printer or publisher and address, and date of publication). – Please include any handwritten or printed notes regarding the book owner’s name, gift inscriptions, or other identifying information written on covers, title page or elsewhere within the volume. – Book measurements can be included, but are not essential. Family Information – If known, provide background information on the owner(s) of the record, including family origin and relationships, places of residence, and any other helpful information (i.e. civic, military or professional service, burial place, etc.). Record Transcription – Copy the entries exactly as they appear in the original, letter-by-letter, even though you may know that some errors exist. Copy exact wording, spelling, punctuation, etc. Do not abbreviate or use ditto marks unless the original record does so. – Preserve the original order and arrangement of the entries as closely as possible. If a group of entries appears to have been recorded at one time, this fact should be noted. (This may indicate transcription from an earlier record or from memory, therefore allowing greater possibility for errors in prior transcription or recollection). – If you know certain facts in the record to be in error or missing, make a note accordingly and give the source of the correct information. Also note whether entries are missing (due to a paper loss), difficult to read or illegible, or questionable. – Enclose all notes, comments, or text not found in the original in square brackets [ ]. Materials may submitted by mail or electronically to: Jennifer Liber Raines Preservation Chair Western New York Genealogical Society 25 Brompton Ct. Orchard Park, NY 14127 biblerecords@wnygs.org Should you have any questions about this program, the process, or the possible placement of original materials, please email biblerecords@wnygs.org .

The Western New York Genealogical Society's mission is to help preserve and encourage interest in Western New York's rich genealogical heritage - specifically Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, & Wyoming Counties. We focus on education and preservation. Image of Buffalo waterfront Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections Shared History We stern 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. Membership Experience everything membership has to offer - both in-person and online. JOIN Volunteer Make a difference by sharing your time, skills, and expertise with WNYGS. HELP Donate Support our work and mission by making financial contribution today. GIVE 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 Grand Army Of The Republic - Researching Union Civil War Veterans with Christine Cohen Wed., October 21, 2026 7:00p EST Virtual Program - Zoom WNYGS Member Tour of the Jewish Museum of Buffalo Sat., October 24, 2026 2:00p EST 805 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 Free On Site Tour Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group Virtual Meeting Sat., November 14, 2026 10:30a EST Virtual Program - Zoom From Clutter to Clean - Organize, Digitize, and Store Photos with Allyson Maughn Sat., November 21, 2026 10:30a Virtual Program - Zoom Featured Resources SOCIETY LIBRARY June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library Collection DATABASE Buffalo New York Deaths Collection Index PUBLICATIONS Western New York Genealogist and Journal NEXTGEN SIG Connect Through Our Special Interest Group 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 fall dates: Thurs., Oct. 8th 12-4p Fri., Oct. 16th 12-5p 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) News and Updates Jan 1, 2026 : New and Returning Board Members Start Term

Upcoming and past member programs. Regional and national speakers. Meetings, webinars, field trips, and workshops - free and paid. For members and general public. Register online. Past event photo gallery. Member Meetings & Programs Upcoming Programs Past Programs Photo Gallery 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 "Grand Army Of The Republic - Researching Union Civil War Veterans" with Christine Cohen Oct 21, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Zoom (Virtual Event) Do you have a Union Civil War Veteran? Did you know that in 1890 there were over 400,000 Veterans who belonged to the G.A.R. (1866 to 1956). It generated records of service, birth, marriage, death, residences, occupations, detailed biographies, and even photographs. Learn how to find these gems. Register WNYGS Tour of the Jewish Museum of Buffalo Oct 24, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT Jewish Museum of Buffalo, 805 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA Join other WNYGS members as we tour the newly opened Jewish Museum of Buffalo. This museum illuminates the stories of Jewish life in Buffalo while exploring the richness of Jewish art, culture, history, and architecture. Group will also preview Stuart and Caren Shapiro Jewish Genealogy Center. Register Family Tree Maker SIG Virtual Meeting Nov 14, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST Zoom (Virtual Event) If you use FTM or are interested in learning more about this family tree building app, join us for discussion and ideas on how best to use the Family Tree Maker program to build your family tree. Register "From Clutter to Clean-Organize, Digitize, and Store Photos" with Allyson Maughn Nov 21, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST Zoom (Virtual Event) Your family gave you the historical picture collection. The quantity or disorganization keeps you from using these priceless documents. You know your family history is in them, but you stop short because of the clutter. In this class, learn to collect, organize, digitize, and store your pictures. Register 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? Program Chair: Jeanette Sheliga progra ms@wnygs.org NextGen SIG Chair: Gabrielle Kandefer nextgen@wnygs.org Upcoming Programs Past Programs Photo Gallery Past Programs 2026 Programs [ VMA ] i ndic ates th e content is available for viewing in the Members Area. Sept 26, 2026: "Reconstructing World War I Army Service Records: Unraveling Ancestral Stories Through Unit Records" presented by Linda Debe [ VMA ] June 20, 2026: "Exploring Irish Census Records" by David Ryan [ VMA ] May 16, 2026: WNYGS Programming Day at BECPL featuring "Cemetery Crowdsourcing" presented by Michael Cassara 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 [ VMA ] i ndic ates th e content is available for viewing in the Members Area. 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) Additional information on past member programs and trips can be found here. Member Program Photo Gallery Buffalo History Museum "Buffalo Will See It Through" exhibit Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Society Workshop at Computer Learning Lab Family Discoveries BIGS Railroad Employee Record Collection BIGS Library Visit to the Buffalo Irish Genealogy Society City of Buffalo Inactive Records Talk and Private Tour of Facility at River Rock Library Love Members showing their support for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and all libraries throughout Western New York Tracing Our History WNY Genealogy Conference - Documenting Our Families' Journeys Continuing Education Society Program on Church Records Remembering Those Lost Erie County (NY) Casualties in WWI Veterans History Project Library of Congress Training - Documenting Veterans' Experiences Click any image to learn more about past WNYGS programs and events.