Read the message from President D. Joshua Taylor and browse the issue's table of contents below.
A few weeks ago, while perusing past issues of the New York Researcher and its predecessor, The NYG&B Newsletter, I noted an item of interest published in the first issue, noting the forthcoming publication of a New York index to the 1870 federal census, alongside the announcement that the Ellis Island Passenger Lists were being entered into a “computer index” for the first time—in January 1990. Looking back, it is incredible how much has changed since then. Interest in family history continues to expand, and the NYG&B itself has undergone a series of shifts in recent years.
Membership in the NYG&B remains consistent, and in 2022 the new Digitization Center enabled us to preserve more images in a single year than ever before. With these exciting accomplishments, I am happy to announce several changes to the NYG&B’s team structure for the new year. Beginning January 2023, Jennifer Davis will become Vice President, Advancement and Membership, and Ryan Gleason will take on the role of Vice President, Digital Strategy. Susan R. Miller, who has diligently organized the NYG&B’s programs and publications, will shift into the position of Director, Publications, with the New York Researcher remaining under her careful editorship. In addition, Todd M. Hirsch will take on the role of Director, Programs and Partnerships, and Michelle McEvoy will begin as Director, Communications. These changes align with the organization’s growth over the past few years and our vision for the future.
A short time ago, we announced upcoming programs for 2023 (see page 114–115 for more details). Heritage tours will include visits to Scotland, Amsterdam, and the Palatine region of Germany, while research tours will return in New York City, Albany, plus we will visit the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library for the first time. Online experiences include all new courses from the New York Family History School and personalized research during themed Empire State Exploration events. We also will host the New York State Family History Conference in November, featuring live broadcasts from New York City and Buffalo. To begin the year, I invite you to join us in person or online for NYG&B Week, January 9–13, with the theme “Refresh and Restart.”
As we look forward to the opportunities and changes ahead in 2023, thank you each for being a part of the NYG&B. Your participation enables us to continue offering insightful programming while preserving and making accessible New York’s records each day.
Until next time,
D. Joshua Taylor
A question researchers often ask is, “How do I find a New York birth record?” In this issue we answer that question for those seeking New York City birth records. A pathway in the article “Finding New York City Marriage Records: Insights from the Experts” shows how to find records if they exist.
For those seeking birth records elsewhere in New York State, our Fall issue of the New York Researcher lays out that pathway.
And both articles link to our Finding New York Birth, Marriage, and Death Records guide.
While much of this issue focuses on New York City, we also cover the statewide New York Land Records project and the featured county: Tioga.
Inside this issue you will find:
- Sailors’ Snug Harbor: Port After Stormy Seas, The Story of Wilhelm Stieglitz
- Finding New York City Marriage Records: Insights from the Experts
- Providing Access to the Unexpectedly Rich Records of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery
- Volunteers of the NYG&B
- The NYG&B’s Reception and Team Areas
- New York Land Records: 18 million Names Added
In addition to the articles above, the issue also includes our regular columns, including:
- The Latest Online for NYG&B Members
- Next Five Steps: When You Learn of Property Ownership
- Featured New York County: Tioga County (formed 1791)
- New Access and Databases
- In Other Lines: Deborah Barber, Sunnyside, New York
- Highlights of The Record
- 2023 Programs
Click here to access, download, or print the Winter issue. If you have requested a print copy of the New York Researcher, it will be mailed soon.
The next issue of the New York Researcher will resume our statewide coverage with a focus on New York State death records.
Enjoy reading!