Image of Buffalo waterfront
Source: Library of Congress Digital Collections
Shared
History
Western New York’s strategic location on the Great Lakes has made it both a terminus and a gateway of migration. First home to Native American communities, the region was later settled primarily by New Englanders following the Revolutionary War. The opening of the Erie Canal provided an easy route west, attracting the first of many waves of immigrants from Europe. Many people remained in the area and have been followed by others from around the world.
Upcoming Society Programs
Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group (SIG) Virtual Meeting with Gabrielle Kandefer
Sat., Jan 10, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
WNYGS January Meeting: "Charting Your Family's Past: The Power of Maps in Genealogy" with Amy Rose Ward
Sat., Jan 17, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
WNYGS February Meeting: "Railroads Records and Railroad History: East to the West" with Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
Sat., Feb 21, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
NextGen Special Interest Group (SIG) Virtual Meeting
Sat., Feb 28, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group (SIG) Virtual Meeting with Gabrielle Kandefer
Sat., Mar 14, 2026 10:30a-12:00p EST
Virtual Program - Zoom
Collection Assistance Days
Each month, WNYGS volunteers are on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society's library collection and answer general research questions.
Join us for these upcoming winter dates:​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​​​​
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Wed., December 3 12-4p
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Sun., December 7 12-5p
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Fri., December 12 9a-12p
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Tues., January 6 10a-1p
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Sun., January 11 12-5pm
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Thurs., January 29 12-4p
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Tues., February 3 10a-1p
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Sun., February 8 12-5p
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Wed., February 25 12-4p
In addition to these special assistance days, the collection remains accessible to all members and patrons during regular library hours.
Original Holland Land Company Vault
(Mayville, NY)
News and Updates
Jan 1, 2025: New and Returning Board Members Start Term
May 16, 2024: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and the Western New York Genealogical Society's online exhibit, “Buffalo's Neighborhoods: Exploring Our Migrant and Immigrant Heritage," Named 2024 Winner of the National Genealogical Society Conference SLAM! Idea Showcase​
​
Collection Assistance Days
Each month, WNYGS volunteers are on-site at the Central Library to assist researchers with the society's library collection and answer general research questions.
Join us for these upcoming winter dates:​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​​​​
-
Wed., December 3 12-4p
-
Sun., December 7 12-5p
-
Fri., December 12 9a-12p
-
Tues., January 6 10a-1p
-
Sun., January 11 12-5pm
-
Thurs., January 29 12-4p
-
Tues., February 3 10a-1p
-
Sun., February 8 12-5p
-
Wed., February 25 12-4p
In addition to these special assistance days, the collection remains accessible to all members and patrons during regular library hours.
Original Holland Land Company Vault
(Mayville, NY)
News and Updates
Jan 1, 2025: New and Returning Board Members Start Term
May 16, 2024: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and the Western New York Genealogical Society's online exhibit, “Buffalo's Neighborhoods: Exploring Our Migrant and Immigrant Heritage," Named 2024 Winner of the National Genealogical Society Conference SLAM! Idea Showcase​
​