Tracing ancestors in New York State? This New York Family History School course reviews the core resources for those searching for ancestors in New York State. Individual sessions introduce a variety of collections, including vital, census, land, probate, and religious records, alongside an overview of New York’s primary research repositories. Sessions are led by D. Joshua Taylor, NYG&B President, and Susan R. Miller, NYG&B Director of Publications. Please note: This course does not focus on families from New York City.
This course in its entirety is available to watch on demand, and registrants have 60 days to complete the full course.
Registrants will:
- Understand the initial steps to prepare for searching in New York State.
- Learn about fundamental records to use when tracing ancestors in New York State.
- Identify key resources for learning more about New York State research.
Online Sessions (on demand):
- Tracing New York Ancestors: Preparing for Success (D. Joshua Taylor)
- Understanding and Using New York State Vital Records (D. Joshua Taylor)
- Exploring New York's State Census (Susan R. Miller)
- Locating and Using Religious Records in New York State (D. Joshua Taylor)
- New York's Land and Probate Records: An Overview (Susan R. Miller)
- Researching On-site: Where to Search in New York State (Susan R. Miller)
Two live group sessions will also be offered for Q&A with the presenters (dates to be determined).
Course Fee
- NYG&B Members: $89
- General Registration: $99
About the NYG&B's New York Family History School
The New York Family History School lets participants learn at their own pace through guided, on-demand sessions focusing on a specific family history topic. Registration includes access to multiple sessions for 60 days, two live group sessions, syllabus materials, a certificate of completion, and an invitation to the annual online New York Family History School alumni reception.
See all New York Family History School Courses in 2024.
Consultant Bios
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is the president of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B). A nationally known and recognized genealogist, Joshua was named president of the NYG&B in 2016 and is an officer, trustee ex officio, on NYG&B’s Board of Trustees. Previously, Joshua held senior leadership positions with Findmypast and the New England Historic Genealogical Society and has volunteered in leadership positions for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and other organizations. A prolific author and popular speaker, Joshua has been a coordinator for courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh and is the recipient of RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award. He has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are? and was a host on the PBS series Genealogy Roadshow. Joshua holds a Master of Library Science degree in archival management and a Master of Arts degree in history from Simmons College. In 2017, Joshua was named as one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers, and in 2022, he was named as a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association.
An NYG&B member since 1993, Susan R. Miller oversees the NYG&B’s print and digital publications. She is the editor of the New York Researcher magazine and a managing editor of the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer and the NYG&B county guide series. Susan also presents genealogical lectures on a national, regional, and local basis. Prior to her genealogical career, Susan worked in the sailing industry and for Emigrant Savings Bank in New York City for 23 years. A graduate of Brown University, she is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and several other genealogical and historical societies.