The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B) has been awarded the National Genealogical Society’s (NGS) 2023 Genealogical Tourism Award. The award recognizes an individual’s or an organization’s efforts to communicate the importance of repositories–libraries, archives, and research sites–as go-to destinations to fully advance family history research.
“From its delightful small towns to its dynamic urban centers, New York State is an exceptionally diverse place for people from all over to discover and explore their personal history,” said D. Joshua Taylor, President of the NYG&B. “We are honored that NGS has recognized the NYG&B for our efforts to connect people to their genealogical and historical heritage and deepen their engagement with the past all across New York State.”
Following an independent nomination process, the NGS Awards Committee selected the NYG&B in recognition of the NYG&B’s resources, historical documents, research presentations, and the work of its staff in creating a significant facility for family historians, genealogists, and researchers as well as the organization’s value to New York State and the country.
“When we look across the nation for leadership in advocating for records retention and travel to locations where our ancestors lived and worked,” said NGS Executive Director Matt Menashes. “The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society is a beacon for family history researchers. Its guided research trips to repositories in Albany and New York City have introduced many genealogists to the State’s most important collections in local libraries and archives. We are pleased that we can recognize their work with this award.”
“New York State has always been an epicenter and crossroads for immigration and emigration, with many people both setting down roots here and coming through on their way to different parts of the country,” said William C. Hallett, Chairman of the NYG&B. “As ever-greater numbers of people delve into their family genealogy and history, the NYG&B’s singular programming, extensive records and collections, and publications build strong links between those looking for their own New York story and communities across the State.”
The NYG&B’s mix of online and in-person programming includes webinars, courses and workshops, conferences, and research trips and tours. Among its offerings are the fundamentals of tracing ancestors in New York; deep dives into different regions of the State; talks by expert genealogists and historians; New York’s largest statewide genealogy conference, held annually; and heritage tour trips to New York City and internationally.
Through its Digitize New York initiative, the NYG&B is also working with historical societies, churches, town hall offices, and others across the State to digitize and share at-risk historical records—helping to preserve important records and improve access for people conducting New York family history research.
Additionally, the NYG&B publishes many other resources and other historical works that can help people in their family history search and journey, including research guides for all 62 New York counties. These guides offer detailed county-specific information, such as maps, repositories, local government offices, societies, and other organizations with records and collections useful for genealogists and others researching their past.