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
Join Us! Upcoming Community Events
Concordia Cemetery Family History Day
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 10 am – 2 pm
438 Walden Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211
Visit various local historical and genealogical groups for help with your "brick walls." Concordia volunteers will also be available to assist in locating ancestral graves within the cemetery.
Chautauqua County History EXPO
Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 10 am – 4 pm
Chautauqua Municipal Building, 2 Academy Street, Mayville, NY 14757
This free event features vendor tables with artifacts and books, videopresentations, and local history lectures.
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 summer dates:​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Wed., July 29th 9a-1p
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Fri., August 14th 9a-12p
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Wed., August 19th 12-4p
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Sat., August 29th 9a-1p
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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)