Details

Item details

Date

Description

Researching Upstate New York Ancestors

Presented by Christopher C. Child, Kyle Hurst, David Allen Lambert, Melanie McComb, and Elizabeth Peay
Original Broadcasts August 2025

Finding information about New York ancestors can be tricky. A fire in 1911 at the State Library and the fact that statewide registration of vital records did not start until 1880 only adds to the difficulty. From the colonial period through the 19th and early 20th centuries, this online course will guide you through the maze of genealogical pitfalls, and to the bright spots in New York research. Our New York experts will discuss the settlement of New York and early migrations, vital records and substitutes, land and probate records, the state census, and more. NOTE: This course does NOT include New York City research or resources.

This course includes five 90-minute classes and exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation. These recordings and all course materials will be available for the foreseeable future.

Once you complete your registration, you will receive an email with a link to the course page. You can also access this page under “My Account”> “Digital Content.” You will have access to course materials for the foreseeable future.

CLASS TOPICS

Class 1: Settlement of New York State, presented by Elizabeth Peay 

This first class will provide much the historical context of New York State’s settlement and development. Genealogist Elizabeth Peay will discuss the settlement and brief history of the colony, pre- and post- Rev War migrations, and then finally New York’s statehood and boundary disputes. Understanding the reasons why New York State was settled and by whom can lead to a greater understanding of your own ancestors’ motivations and perhaps even their origins.

Class 2: Finding Your New York Ancestors in the 19th Century, presented by David Allen Lambert

Many family historians don’t have to research their New York ancestors for very long before they hit a genealogical brick wall—usually in 19th century. In this class session, David Allen Lambert will discuss the resources and strategies for finding your ancestors in the 19th century. He will first discuss what vital records exist and how to locate them; then demonstrate how the federal census, the New York state census, Church records, and many other record sets can be used to find vital information.

Class 3: Using and Understanding New York Land Records, presented by Kyle Hurst

With the start of vital records being recorded so late for the state of New York, land and probate records become especially important resources for genealogists. In this class, Senior Genealogist Kyle Hurst will help you navigate the complicated world of New York State deeds, focusing on the various jurisdictional levels that created land records—from county land deeds to proprietorships and land companies.

Class 4: Using and Understanding New York Probate Records, presented by Melanie McComb

Probate records are an incredibly important resource for family historians, especially when doing New York research. In this class, Melanie McComb will provide a brief introduction to probate records—including key terms and why they are important for family historians. She will then discuss the unique history of probate for the state of New York and how to locate these crucial resources.

Class 5: Strategies for Success in NY: Case Studies, presented by Christopher C. Child

In this final class, we will look at several case studies, demonstrating how a combination of research strategies and the records available can lead to success.