Our popular Empire State Exploration returns in-person for four days of uncovering your New York ancestors. With a home base at the NYG&B headquarters you will be steps away from the NYG&B’s statewide collections at the New York Public Library—and access to experts to guide you along your way. Empire State Exploration is an ideal setting for those just beginning their search and those seeking to answer longstanding New York research questions.
A personal, one-on-one consultation provides advice from a New York-expert genealogist at the NYG&B offices, helping you uncover collections and techniques for research. In addition to social events, the program also includes topical lectures on tracing New York ancestors, using The Record, and other essential topics to help guide you throughout the week. Some of the nation’s best repositories for New York research, including the New York Public Library (NYPL), the New York Historical Society, the Center for Jewish History, the National Archives at New York City, and county and borough repositories are easily accessible. Plus, you can access millions of additional records on FamilySearch.org with the NYG&B’s Affiliate Library status.
Special access to data not yet released in the NYG&B Online Collections will be available to participants in the program (including vertical files from the Holland Society).
This experience focuses on tracing ancestors from across the entire state of New York, not just within the New York City area.
Looking for specialized assistance during your week? Professional consultants will available throughout the program. Please note that this trip does not include individual tours of all the research repositories; an orientation to the resources available at the major repositories will be given Monday morning.
The number of spots for this program is limited. Please be advised that in-person attendees will be asked to show proof of vaccination per New York City law. Masks are required to be worn, except when eating or drinking.
Program Schedule
Subject to change
A personal, one-on-one consultation will enable you to begin your search immediately, with advice from an expert genealogist at the NYG&B offices.
In addition to social events, the program also includes topical lectures on tracing New York ancestors, using the Record, and other essential topics to help guide you throughout the week.
| Sunday, February 6 | Arrive in New York City |
| Monday | |
| 9:00 - 10:30am | Continental breakfast, followed by an orientation to New York State and New York City research repositories |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | Individual Consultations at the NYG&B and research at the NYPL |
| Afternoon | Orientation at the NYPL |
| 5:00 - 6:00pm | Social hour at the NYG&B |
| Tuesday | |
| All day | Independent research and consultations NYG&B headquarters open 8:30am to 6:00pm |
| 9:30am | Session: Tapping Manuscript Collections at the NYPL |
| 5:00pm | Session: Brooklyn and Queens Research |
| 6:00 - 7:30pm | Light dinner at the NYG&B |
| Wednesday | |
| All day |
Independent research and consultations. NYG&B headquarters open 9:00am to 6:30pm |
| 9:30am | Session: Using The Record |
| Free evening | |
| Thursday | |
| All day | Independent research and consultations NYG&B headquarters open 9:00am to 5:00pm |
| 1:30pm | Wrap-up lunch at the NYG&B |
Visiting New York City? A limited number of rooms are available at the Royalton Hotel, 44 West 44th Street. Contact education@nygbs.org for rates and the registration process.
Please feel free to arrange your own accommodation.
Registration
Registration includes the program at the NYG&B and consultations (accommodations not included).
- Member commuter registration $875
- Registration: $995