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aerial view over Storm King Mountain in upstate New York

Researching Upstate New York Ancestors

Seminar
Online
July 31, 2025 and August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. All classes will be recorded and made available following the live broadcasts.
$125
Christopher C. Child
Kyle Hurst
David Allen Lambert
Melanie McComb
Elizabeth Peay
10% Member Discount

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.

Schedule

July 31 - 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.

August 7 - 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.

August 14 - 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.

August 21 - 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.

August 28 - Class 5: Strategies for Success in New York: Case Studies

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.

Publishing
Christopher C. Child
New England
African American
Lineage Societies
Chris Child has worked for various departments at American Ancestors since 1997 and became a full-time employee in July 2003. He has been a member of American Ancestors since the age of eleven.
Publishing
Kyle Hurst
As a member of the Learning & Interpretation team, Kyle researches and writes family histories.
Learning & Interpretation
David Allen Lambert
Military Records
New England
Eastern Canada
Areas of expertise: New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American genealogical research in New England. 
Learning & Interpretation
Melanie McComb
DNA
Ireland
Eastern Canada
Areas of expertise: Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.
Publishing
Elizabeth Peay
Elizabeth studied at the University of Connecticut and Smith College, earning a dual B.A. in History and Classical Studies. Before joining the American Ancestors team she worked as a Lead Guide at Roseland Cottage for Historic New England.