New York City New York Family History Center



 Welcome to the NYC FamilySearch Center. Browse the offerings below and join us to get personal assistance, and find activities for groups and families. Visit us on Facebook New York City Family History Center.

The FHC is open!

 * The FHC is open with full online access to all microfilms and premium websites.


 * Open hours are posted weekly. (Check the weekly schedule below.)


 * We need volunteers experienced with FamilySearch or genealogy.


 * Masks are no longer required in the FHC. But we welcome patrons to wear mask for their own comfort, and we will adjust our mask policy based upon the most current science and legal requirements.

March schedule
***NOTE special closures  Tuesday March 29th the center will close at 4 pm:   Saturday April 2 the FHC will be closed for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints semiannual conference: 

We Need Volunteers
Help expand our schedule by volunteering a few hours to oversee the space and answer simple questions, while enjoying full access to our subscription websites. Please email [mailto:NY_NewYorkCity@familyhistorymail.org NY_NewYorkCity@familyhistorymail.org] to volunteer or ask questions.

... Always Free...




Experts
''' Due to Covid we have only limited specialized research consultants. Feel free to come in and the volunteers will try to help you with your research questions.''
 * The following research specialists are not currently available due to Covid concerns.
 * Italian                      Wednesdays 11am-1pm
 * African American             Thursday 10am-noon
 * Hispanic and Puerto Rican    Wednesdays 3pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-noon
 * Jewish                       Thursdays 6pm-8pm

Local Resources

 * Premium Websites  Free access to subscription databases at AmericanAncestors.org, Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.uk, and MyHeritage.com, among other top genealogy websites (complete list: Family History Center Portal).


 * New York City Vital Records: Birth records up to 1909, marriage records up to 1939, and death records up to 1949.


 * Computers: Eight (8) touch-screen PCs are available. No appointments needed. We have never turned anyone away, but if necessary, we may limit research time to two hours.


 * Books and Pamphlets: Guides to New York City and State research, how-to manuals, genealogical charts, and worksheets.


 * Microfilm: Before the internet, much of the data now found in FamilySearch was available on millions of roles of microfilm. FamilySearch has been digitizing the microfilm and announced in September 2021 the completion of digitizing 2.4 million rolls of microfilm with information on 11.5 billion individuals.  The process of making these images available is ongoing and we have a few rolls of microfilm that have not yet been released to be viewed online.
 * NOTE: While the majority digitized microfilm are viewable in the Family History centers computers, some will have varying degrees of access limitations governed by contractual agreements or other restraints imposed by the original record holder custodians.
 * NOTE: While the majority digitized microfilm are viewable in the Family History centers computers, some will have varying degrees of access limitations governed by contractual agreements or other restraints imposed by the original record holder custodians.


 * Zoom sessions remain available for individual consultations with Salt Lake City Sign up for a free appointment here.

Additional Online Resources
The Ackman &amp; Ziff Family Genealogy Institute

FHL inventory at the Center For Jewish History

The Hispanic Genealogical Society of New York

German Genealogy Group

Puerto Rican Ancestry

Polish Genealogical Society of Connecticut and the Northeast

Genealogy Slovakia

Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society