This issue of the NYG&B eNews was delivered on April 27, 2018. Our eNews - published twice a month - contains the latest news about New York State genealogy, news about the NYG&B, and helpful tips for research related to a variety of New York State subjects and locations. Starting with this issue, we will be posting the eNews as a blog shortly after it is published.
Would you like the NYG&B eNews delivered right to your inbox as soon as it's hot off the press? The eNews is only sent twice a month, and we never give your email address to third parties, under any circumstances.
In This Issue
- The importance of finding your ancestor's death certificate
- 7 facts about Dutch and German Reformed churches in Manhattan & Bronx
- NYG&B announces a forthcoming guide to the NY State Archives
- Featured Event: Spring Theater Benefit
- A discovery through mapping technology: My family in New York City's "real Little Italy"
- Upcoming Events and Programs
Why you should search for death certificates
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to break through a longtime brick wall, we have a suggestion for you - make sure you have your ancestor’s New York death certificate.
It’s one of the most important records to have (especially early on in your research) and can be instrumental in making future discoveries.
Whether your ancestor is from New York City or elsewhere in New York State, the truth of the matter remains the same - you really need to find their death certificate!
Read on to see why it's one of the first records you should seek, what you can learn from it, and where to look for clues to locating it.
Seven facts about Reformed churches in Manhattan and the Bronx
Reformed church records can be crucial record sets for genealogical research - and not just for those of us who have ancestors who lived in the earliest days of New York City.
You might be surprised to find out that due to historical circumstances, different demographics than you would expect can often be found in the many Dutch and German Reformed church record collections.
Esteemed expert Harry Macy recently updated his New York Knowledge Base guide to using and locating Reformed records in these two boroughs.
Our blog rounds up some interesting facts that will be useful for all researchers to know - anyone seeking ancestors in these kinds of records will want to examine his comprehensive guide in detail.
NYG&B Announces Guide to New York State Archives
The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society has begun work on a guide to the New York State Archives, designed specifically for genealogists, local historians, and other researchers.
The groundbreaking publication is being produced in cooperation with the New York State Archives and will be authored by professional genealogist Jane E. Wilcox.
The publication will feature more than 20 chapters outlining numerous materials from the New York State Archives collections key for tracing New York families.
Click the link below to read the full press release on our blog.
Featured Event: NYG&B Spring Theater Benefit
Support New York genealogy and see one of the most talked-about plays on Broadway at our upcoming Spring Theater Benefit.
Join us on Tuesday, May 22 for Three Tall Women, an acclaimed revival of the Pulitzer-prize winning play by Edward Albee. Glenda Jackson makes her long-awaited return to Broadway after a 25-year absence, alongside Laurie Metcalf and Alison Pill.
We'll have pre-theater cocktails and hors-d'oeuvres at District M in the Row NYC Hotel at 5:15 pm, and attend the 7:00 pm show.
Those who buy Platinum level tickets will have an exclusive meet and greet with Tony-nominated actress Allison Pill after the performance.
A limited number of tickets are available, so reserve yours today!
My family and New York City's "real Little Italy"
NYG&B Director of Digital Services Fred Wertz shares the story of a fascinating discovery he made after plotting his ancestors on a map of the Bronx.
He always knew his family had a special connection to the neighborhood of Belmont and the many Italian shops on Arthur Avenue, but unearthed something surprising when he used modern mapping technology to plot the addresses of his family history.
Fred is sharing his story to highlight the importance of supporting initiatives like this. Support of the NYG&B’s Annual Fund funds these projects and others that might help you in your own research.
The NYG&B is working on several projects that help put powerful mapping technology in the hands of researchers like you. We have already debuted one of these tools, “Mapping The Record” and have more planned for 2018.
See what Fred discovered, and learn how you can support the creation of innovative tools that will help you make similar discoveries about the geography of your own family history.
Upcoming Events and Programs
Wednesday, May 2 - Saturday, May 5: New York Sessions at the NGS Conference
Tuesday, May 15: Facebook Live Genealogy Q&A with D. Joshua Taylor and Susan R. Miller
Tuesday, May 22: NYG&B Spring Theater Benefit
Thursday, June 7: Prepare for a Cemetery Trip
Tuesday, June 12: Webinar - Soy Boricua: Researching Your Puerto Rican Roots
Thursday, July 12: Webinar - Exploring New York's Catholic Stories: The Archdiocese of New York Collection on Findmypast
Thursday, September 13 - 15: New York State Family History Conference *Early-bird discount ends May 31!*
Wednesday, October 31 - November 2: Research in Albany Tour