Central New York’s Mohawk Valley region is steeped in both natural beauty and fascinating history—from Native American culture to a hotbed of Revolutionary War activity to Erie Canal engineering marvels.
Join the NYG&B and guest experts for an online exploration of resources for tracing ancestors in the Mohawk Valley from the 1700s to the 1800s. New York counties covered during these sessions include Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie (in addition to relevant resources and discussions of each county’s various predecessors).
Online sessions include:
- Lectures on a range of topics
- Individual consultation sessions with expert genealogists
- Group Q&A periods
- Independent research time
Lecture topics: To be announced
This program runs 11:30 a.m. – approximately 4:30 p.m., ET each day.
Prior to this Empire State Exploration program, you will be given special free access to the NYG&B’s on-demand New York State Family History School course, New York State Research Fundamentals to help refresh your understanding of processes for conducting family history research in New York State. This online course includes sessions on vital records, census records, religious records, probate records, and more. Access continues through the last day of the program.
Program Fee
- NYG&B Members Early Registration Rate: $399 (ends June 8, 2026; after that registration rate is $469)
- General Registration: $469
Consultant Bios
Jenny Rizzo Irwin is a Certified Genealogist® and Accredited Genealogist® specializing in United States research with a geographic focus on New York State, New York City, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Connecticut. Jenny is also an experienced forensic genealogist, specializing in kinship research for attorneys in probate, real estate, and mineral rights cases.
An active member of the community of professional genealogists, Jenny serves as a Trustee for the Board of Certification for Genealogists (BCG), Trustee for the Board of Certification for Genealogists (BCG) Education Fund, and editorial assistant for the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. She is the past president of the New England chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).
Michelle Dowd Torosian is a professional genealogist and founder of Torosian Genealogy, LLC. Her extensive research experience and sharp analytical skills enable her to work with clients undertaking family history research as well as probate attorneys needing forensic genealogy expertise. A former CPA, Michelle is a certificate holder from Boston University’s Genealogical Research program and the ProGen Study Group. Michelle serves as president of the Westchester County Genealogical Society and Treasurer of the Westchester County Historical Society.
About Empire State Exploration
The Empire State Exploration program is an ideal interactive experience for tracing New York ancestors online under the guidance of genealogy experts. Participants join a small online group of fellow researchers for three daylong, at-home sessions of guided research and learning. Each online session is held live and features a special guest expert genealogist, lectures, individual consultation sessions, and group Q&A periods. Participants have access to materials for 30 days following the program.