Coming Soon! NYGBS Labs

The NYG&B Announces NYG&B Labs


NYG&B Labs will create an innovative space which leverages the latest trends in technology and digital services to assist in telling the stories of New York’s families.

NEW YORK, NY -- The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B) announces the creation of NYG&B Labs, an innovative space which leverages the latest trends in technology and digital services to assist in telling the stories of New York’s families.

NYG&B Labs will be a destination for aspiring digital professionals who seek to advance their expertise in technology and its applications for the fields of history and genealogy. Each quarter team members will work on a designated, pre-approved project. Once completed, projects may be added to resources at newyorkfamilyhistory.org and beyond.

Members of the NYG&B Labs team will benefit from one-on-one interaction with experts in the fields of genealogy and technology as they work to creatively apply technology to traditional genealogical methods relating to New York’s history. Team members will also receive a quarterly stipend and can work from anywhere in the world.

“NYG&B Labs will provide benefits to anyone researching the stories of New York’s past,” noted NYG&B President D. Joshua Taylor; “with NYG&B labs, the opportunities to create new tools and resources are nearly endless.” The launch of the project was made possible with funding from the NYG&B, individual donors, and support from commercial and nonprofit entities within the genealogical community.

Applications for NYG&B Labs Team members are now being accepted at http://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/labs. The NYG&B is specifically seeking team members with an interest in technology, geo-coding, mapping, social media, website development, digital services, history, and other topics. 

 

NYGBS Wins Two Awards for Excellence from the National Genealogical Society

The following press release was sent to Olive Tree Genealogy from The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society  (NYGBS)

New York, NY, May 6, 2016. The National Genealogical Society (NGS) presented the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B) with two distinguished prizes at the NGS Family History Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The NYG&B’s groundbreaking book, the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer, is the recipient of the 2016 NGS Award for Excellence: Methods and Sources Book. And the NYG&B’s quarterly magazine, the New York Researcher, has been recognized as the best Major Genealogical or Historical Society Newsletter for 2016.

Since its highly anticipated release in 2015 the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer has received numerous accolades and become the de facto textbook for New York genealogical research. Hailed as “. . . the biggest and best ever guide to New York research.” (NGS Quarterly, September 2015), the book was previously recognized by the Federation of Genealogical Societies with its Award of Merit.

The New York Researcher has been published quarterly since spring 1990 when it began life as the NYG&B Newsletter. Each issue features articles on genealogical research techniques and resources, profiles of repositories and genealogical societies across New York State, and news about the rapidly changing field of genealogy. The New York Researcher is edited by Susan Miller, Director of Education at the NYG&B. 

The full run of the New York Researcher is accessible in the NYG&B’s eLibrary, and more than 100 articles—many of which have been updated by the original authors—have been collected as Research Aids on the NYG&B website.

D. Joshua Taylor, NYG&B President, said, “As the newest member of the NYG&B team it is very gratifying to accept not one but two awards from the NGS. Recognition from one’s peers is especially sweet. From the launch of The Record in 1870 and the New York Researcher in 1990 to the publication of the Research Guide and Gazetteer in 2015, the NYG&B has been a pioneering contributor to the scholarship on New York families and resources for New York research.”

Following the success of the Research Guide and Gazetteer, the NYG&B began working on an entire volume devoted to the vast holdings of the New York City Municipal Archives, many of which have never been described in published form. That work, The New York City Municipal Archives: An Authorized Guide for Family Historians is now available for pre-sale and will be officially released in the summer of 2016.

The Diaries Of John E. Lewis 1880-1956

John E. Lewis was a New York resident who wrote in his diaries every day for seventy-seven years and captured life in New York during the era. 

Mr. Lewis began writing his diaries on January 1, 1880, as a nineteen-year old young man, and continued to write until his eyesight was too poor to continue, at age 96. [New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Blog]

Continue reading The Diaries Of John E. Lewis 1880-1956 

You may also be interested in reading old letters on Past Voices

Congratulations D. Joshua Taylor, new President of NYGBS

D. Joshua Taylor, the prominent genealogist, author, and lecturer, has been appointed President of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, effective February 1, 2016. He succeeds McKelden Smith, who is retiring after serving as its highly-regarded President of seven years.
           
Jeanne Sloane, chairman of the board of trustees of the NYG&B, said, “We are thrilled that Josh has accepted this position. He brings to the NYG&B dynamic energy and his well-known passion for the mission of genealogical societies in general. He has broad experience as an advanced researcher and riveting lecturer. Plus he has the expertise we require in the innovative use of technology in our field.”
            
Ms. Sloane also said that Mr. Taylor already knows the NYG&B unusually well. “Most recently,” she said, “Mr. Taylor was Director of Family History at Findmypast.com. While he was in this position he coordinated the integration of the NYG&B’s eLibrary with the Findmypast platform.

Read more about Josh and his new position at D. Joshua Taylor Appointed President of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society

Image credit: New York Genealogical and Biographical Society

Good Deal on NYGBS Book on New York Research

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society is offering free U.S. shipping (a $10 savings) on its monumental book, the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer.

Since its highly anticipated publication in January 2015, the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer has garnered widespread praise and quickly sold out its first print run.  The comprehensive, 856-page book has become the de facto textbook for New York genealogical research.

Diane Rapaport in the September issue of the NGS Q calls the book “. . . the biggest and best ever guide to New York research. Everything a researcher would want to know about researching New York’s sixty-two counties, and the boroughs of New York City, is now in one comprehensive, encyclopedic, easy-to-use manual.”

Henry Hoff, editor of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, declared "This is a volume that every library and New York researcher should have, and indeed must have."

And the New York Times described the book as "an overdue handbook for serious researchers," "an enlightening and eclectic chronological tour of four centuries of New York benchmarks and record-keeping," and "an authoritative, fact-filled beginner's resource."

The Federation of Genealogical Societies recently presented the NYG&B with an Award of Merit in recognition of distinguished work in family history for this publication.

From now until November 30, U.S. shipping and handling (regularly $10) is free for all in the NYG&B online store, phone, and mail orders when you use the discount Code "BOOKSHIP." The same code will give a $10 discount on shipping for international orders.

Full details about the book—including an Annotated Table of Contents—are on the website at www.NewYorkFamilyHistory.org.

First New York State Family History Conference on September 20 and 21, 2013

The Central New York Genealogical Society and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Announce the First New York State Family History Conference on September 20 and 21, 2013.

NEW YORK, NY, March 19, 2013 -- The Central New York Genealogical Society and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society are cosponsoring the first-ever statewide genealogical conference in New York.  The two-day conference will be held on September 20 and 21 at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center Liverpool, just outside Syracuse, New York.  Preconference research activities will be available on September 19.  Attendees will have an opportunity to advance their skills in researching New York families and to build general skills through 20 lectures in two parallel tracks; two luncheons and a dinner, all with riveting speakers; and exhibits by vendors and societies. The Conference Program and exhibitor information may be found on the Conference website, www.NYSFHC.org.

New York State poses numerous challenges for even the most experienced family history researcher.  The New York State Family History Conference will break down research barriers and provide a forum that brings people together to share their research knowledge and problem-solving experiences and to collaborate on key research issues. Future conferences will be scheduled at regular intervals.The early-bird registration fee for the two-day Conference (excluding meals and printed syllabus) is $115 until July 1, after which it will be $140; members of the CNYGS or the NYG&B receive a $25 discount. Purchase tickets in the online store at www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org.  

Conference speakers include the top names in New York genealogy:  Blaine Bettinger, The Journal of Genetic Genealogy;  Ruth Carr, New York Public Library (retired);  Sachiko Clayton, New York Public Library;  Laura Murphy DeGrazia, CG, NYG&B Record; Stefani Evans, CG, National Genealogical Society; James D. Folts, New York State Archives;  Karen Mauer Green, CG, NYG&B Record;  Eric Grundset, Library of the Daughters of the American Revolution;  Terry Koch-Bostic, National Genealogical Society;  Michael Leclerc, Mocavo; Joseph Lieby, Palatines to America German Genealogical Society;  Maira Liriano, New York Public Library;  Kathleen Roe, New York State Archives;  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG; and  D. Joshua Taylor, findmypast.com.

Sponsors of the conference include: findmypast.com, Mocavo, the National Genealogical Society, the New York Public Library, the Office of Cultural Education/New York State Education Department, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

About the CNYGS

The Central New York Genealogical Society was formed in 1961 for the purpose of preserving, publishing and sharing genealogical information and resources.  Towards that end, it has published Tree Talks, a highly respected quarterly which contains abstracts of significant records from upstate New York counties and is fully indexed, annually. The CNYGS holds six meetings yearly, and members engage in record preservation projects to preserve and report information for the future.  Its official website is located at rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycnygs. 

About the NYG&B

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society was founded in 1869 and is the largest and only statewide genealogical society in New York State. The NYG&B publishes two quarterlies, The Record and The New York Researcher; offers a robust schedule of educational programs; partners with organizations across the state through the New York Family History School; and maintains a website, www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org, with a growing elibrary of unique research resources, including the full run (since 1870) of The Record, which preserves the histories of New York families.  The NYG&B will soon publish the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer, the first guide to genealogy resources across the entire state and the first statewide gazetteer since 1872. 

Image credit: "Conference Room" by Pixomar at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

All-Day Education Program with Steve Morse

All-Day Education Program with Steve Morse

An Opportunity to Significantly Advance Your Research Skills with Online Expert Steve Morse

 

Saturday, April 27, 2013, 10:00am- 4:00 pm  

at the New York Public Library, South Court Auditorium

The NYG&B presents Stephen P. Morse, originator of a series of fabulous "One-Step Websites," for a full day of lectures and discussion about getting the quickest and most effective results from online data sources. This is your chance to learn from one of the nation's leading innovators in advanced online genealogical research. This event will be useful to people at all levels of expertise.  Seating is limited, and this program will be sold out; please book a prepaid reservation in advance.

Cost: NYG&B members, $60/Non-members, $90

Register: online or call 212-755-8532, ext. 211.

For additional information email education@nygbs.org 

 

Boston University's Certificate Program in Genealogical Research

Boston University's Certificate Program in Genealogical Research comes to the NYG&B this Fall This fall, Boston University brings its acclaimed Certificate Program in Genealogical Research to New York. The 10-week course will be held at the headquarters of the NYG&B in Manhattan. Developed in 2008 by Boston University's Center for Professional Education, the program is designed for intermediate and advanced researchers. Taught by leading scholars, editors, and practitioners in the field, the curriculum provides a highly respected, challenging genealogical education. NYG&B members receive a 10% discount on tuition. For more information, email BUinNYC@bu.edu

Brewster Collection Added to NYGB eLibrary

The following announcement was received by Olive Tree Genealogy from The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society

Brewster Collection Added to NYG&B eLibrary 

Emma Brewster Jones

Our digital library now includes all 27 portions of the Brewster Collection donated by Miss Emma C. Brewster Jones in 1908. This genealogical material on the descendants of Elder William Brewster, passenger on the Mayflower, contains extensive material on lines of descent through female Brewster family members.

The new material in the digital library is particularly exciting as it contains material on the female lines; none of this was included in her two-volume Brewster Genealogy published in 1907. Surnames listed include: Bartlett, Christophers, Coolidge, Freeman, Fosdick, Knowles, Mayo, Paine, Pickett, Prence, Prince, Starr, Turner, and Wetherell.

Members will be interested to know that the NYG&B acquired the Brewster Collection almost 100 years ago, and a description was published in The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, (Vol. 044, No.3).

Click here for a complete breakdown of the volumes and chapters within this collection.    

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Announces Its New Website

The following Announcement was sent to Olive Tree Genealogy by the NYGBS:

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Announces Its New Website

Members enjoy access to important new digital resources for research on New York families and families with New York connections

NEW YORK, NY, November 1, 2011 -- The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society is pleased to announce that it has replaced its website with a brand new one that is easier to use and enriched with expanded content.  The address www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org has not changed but visitors will find many new features. 

All collections in the eLibrary may now be viewed in a browsable format, which allows the reader to easily scroll through documents and print multiple pages.  Numerous unique records and digital publications have been added to the eLibrary.  Example:  The complete run of The New York Researcher and its predecessor publication The NYG&B Newsletter, which was first published in 1990.  New guides to using newspapers, maps, and other resources have been created.  Dozens of Research Aid articles have been brought up to date by the original authors.  Individual guides to genealogical research in New York counties are in production; thirteen of a projected 62 guides are now online. 

Additions to the eLibrary include:

• The family records contained in the American Bible Society Collection and an index to more than 8,000 names
• The complete set of over 500 NYG&B Member Biographies from the early 20^th century
• 32 digitized books, including many volumes originally published as part of the series Collections of The NYG&B Society and several entries in the WPA’s Public Archives Inventory, Church Archives Inventory, and Guide to Vital Statistics series for New York City.
• Book two of the 1855 New York State Census for Manhattan's Ward 17.

The cornerstone of the eLibrary is the full run of The NYG&B Record, which has been published quarterly since 1870 and forms the largest single collection of published material on families that lived in New York State.  The collection is every-word searchable and is accompanied by a search engine based on an index to more than 1,000,000 names from the pages of The Record. 

While access to the full digital resources of the website is available only to NYG&B members, there are several features available to both members and non-members:

• News You Can Use is updated frequently and references new resources and information pertinent to New York research. 
• There are free guides on the following subjects: Getting Started on Your Family History; Finding New York Vital Records; Genealogical and Historical Societies in the New York Region; Heraldry; Heritage and Lineage Societies; and Hiring Professional Genealogical Researchers. 
• The Genealogical Exchange allows anyone to submit a specific query about a genealogical question related to New York. 
• Information about upcoming programs offered by the NYG&B and the New York Family History School is also available; tickets may be purchased through the website. 

About the NYG&B

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society has been the authoritative source for research on New York families and families with New York connections since 1869.  By offering educational programs, scholarly and informational publications, and online resources, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society helps people of all backgrounds build connections with their families and their communities, ­ especially those linked to New York City, State, and region ­ and to appreciate their families’ experience in the broader context of American history.  The NYG&B maintains an eLibrary of digital material, including the entire run of its quarterly scholarly journal The NYG&B Record, for its members at www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org.