Join the NYG&B for a week of interactive events and digitization opportunities, both in person and online. We invite you to take part in however many events you would like! All programming is free, but registration is required.
See below for a full schedule of the week's programming and how to register.
Monday, November 3
New to New York Family History? How to Get Started
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. ET | In Person and Online
Are you ready to start tracing your New York ancestors but not sure where to begin or how to look? Join Mitchell Toolan, NYG&B Chief of Staff, to learn about the core basics and essentials for conducting New York family history research. He’ll share tips, tools, and free resources to put you on the right path for discovering your New York story.
No OMPF? No Problem!
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET | Online via Zoom
Researching 20th-century veterans is especially difficult, as a fire destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF) in 1973. Join presenter Sara Cochran for a look at a variety of record types and repositories that can be used to find the stories of the WWI and WWII veterans in our families.
Tuesday, November 4
Preserving Your New York Story: Researching U.S. Veterans of the Great War
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. ET | In Person and Online
Family history is a fascinating and personal way for everyone to better understand who they are and how our past has shaped us. Genealogy also helps to reveal and strengthen connections between individuals and communities. But how do you get started?
Join the NYG&B and guest speaker Geoff Gentilini for a look at the key essentials for beginning your genealogy journey; resources and tips specific to researching U.S. veterans of the Great War; and how you can preserve your own New York family stories.
Digitize New York: A Preservation Movement
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET | Online via Zoom
Get all the latest updates on the NYG&B’s Digitize New York initiative to preserve and make accessible records from across New York State. You’ll find out what’s been happening at our three Digitization Centers in different locations across the State as well as our loaner digitization kit program. We will also explore the Immanuel Lutheran Church collection, which was preserved and made accessible online through Digitize New York.
Wednesday, November 5
New NYG&B Resources to Drive Your Research
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET | In Person and Online
The NYG&B recently launched some new resources that will significantly improve people’s ability to trace New York ancestors and undertake family history research. Join D. Joshua Taylor, NYG&B President and CEO, and Susan R. Miller, NYG&B Director, Publications, for a look at these resources and how to use and make the most of them.
How to Search Newyorkfamilyhistory.org
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET | Online via Zoom
NYG&B staff will share their favorite search techniques, tips, and advice for searching the NYG&B’s website, newyorkfamilyhistory.org. Learn from the experts on how using the website can help you discover your New York Story.
Thursday, November 6
Roundtable Discussion with 2025 Preservation in Action Honorees
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET | Online via Zoom
Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion with our 2025 Preservation in Action honorees: Michelle Henry and William P. Tatum III. Our honorees will share insights and lessons learned from their trailblazing work in and contributions to the field of family history in a conversation moderated by D. Joshua Taylor, NYG&B President and CEO.
Unlocking the Mysteries: An Introduction to Using American Fraternal Records in Genealogical Research
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET | Online via Zoom
Join Jeffrey Croteau and Sarah H. Shepherd of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library for this presentation about American Masonic and fraternal organizations, focusing on New York, and how their records can help you in your genealogical research.
Friday, November 7
NYG&B Preservation Day
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET | In Person
If you reside in or are visiting the New York City area, you are invited to come in person to our New York City Digitization Center for a 30-minute session to digitally preserve your own records using our state-of-the-art Copibook scanner.