Western New York Genealogical Society

Founded in 1974, The Western New York Genealogical Society's non-profit mission is to help preserve and encourage interest in the rich genealogical heritage of the eight counties of Western New York that were part of the original Holland Land Company Purchase - Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming.

Our objectives are to:

• facilitate the collection and preservation of genealogical records relating to the history and peoples of Western New York's eight counties;
• make these records available to researchers;
• further genealogical knowledge and research through education; and
• foster record preservation by government agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Meetings & Programs: Host a minimum of six meetings (in-person and online) per year featuring speaker programs, workshops, and member field trips.

Western New York Genealogist: Produce and publish our member publication, the Western New York Genealogist. Content includes topics such as research strategies and techniques, resource profiles, developments in the field of genealogy, and upcoming regional and national programs.

June Partridge Zintz Memorial Library: Develop/maintain the society's reference library located in the Grosvenor Room of the B&ECPL Central Library and provide research support. The Zintz Collection contains more than 3,000 books, 700 reels of microfilm, and hundreds of genealogical and historical periodicals. Our library also includes such unique resources as the Vital Index of Early Western New York Families, bible and marriage records, and member-submitted ancestor charts.

Preservation: Locate and microfilm/digitize regional historical and genealogical records and collections.  Spearhead indexing and transcription projects.

Community & Connection: Serve our members and the community by educating, preserving, partnering, and helping break down research brick walls.

Volunteer Opportunities: Provide ongoing society service opportunities (utilizing community's time, skills, and expertise), includes board and committee positions, education, record transcription and indexing, microfilming and digitization, and community outreach.