Digitize New York empowers and educates communities across New York State in the preservation of at-risk historical documents.
To help preserve important records and improve access for people conducting New York family history research, the NYG&B launched Digitize New York in 2023. Through this initiative, the NYG&B partners with organizations across New York State to digitize records and make them available online.
By the Numbers
- 500,000+ images scanned
- 230,000+ corrected and enhanced images
- 3,300+ volunteer hours logged
- 23 counties represented
Many record holders, including historical societies, churches, town hall offices, and others hold at-risk documents they are unable to digitize themselves. Through Digitize New York, organizations can either submit their records for preservation at one of the NYG&B’s Digitization Centers or request a digitization kit that empowers them to preserve and upload records at their own sites—at no cost to participating organizations.
Our Digitization Centers
Click on the images above to learn more about each of our Digitization Centers.
Our Digitization Kits
Some organizations hold records that they must preserve on-site at their own location. For example, they may have documents that are too fragile to travel or have access restrictions in place. For such materials, the NYG&B provides loaner digitization kits at no cost, allowing Digitize New York partners to preserve documents right where they are located.
Submit a Project
If your organization has at-risk records and would like to participate, submit an application or email us with questions.
Support Digitize New York
Help us support Digitize New York and expand it across New York State.
If you or your organization are interested in further supporting Digitize New York, please contact DigitizeNY@nygbs.org.
If you are interested in volunteering at one of our Digitization Centers, learn more about our regular orientations and trainings.
New Releases from Digitize New York
A Bicentennial History of Otego
Added October 2025
Updated October 2025