Thinking about tracing your roots but don't know where to start? Or maybe your search is under way and you've hit a dead end. Retired librarian PJ will be on hand to show you how you can access free genealogical resources, including Ancestry, through the library and to offer search tips and advice. Come to the Genealogy Drop-In on the first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where PJ can help you get started with your research or help you resolve your brick wall problems. No registration is required.
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The library has a variety of online resources to help you trace your family history.
General Genealogy Research
Ancestry Library Edition - In Library Use Only
Access to all available US Census and state census records, the immigration collection, New York passenger lists, military records, naturalization records and more.
FamilySearch - FamilySearch is a nonprofit family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations. Research your family history using genealogical records from around the world.
MyHeritage Library Edition - Search records from around the world including birth, marriage, death, military, census, and parish records.
HeritageQuest - A comprehensive collection of American genealogical sources including primary sources, local and family histories, and finding aids. It is only available at public Libraries.
Immigration Records
Ellis Island Search - This free website contains Ellis Island passenger records for immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and the Port of New York between 1892 and 1924.
Passenger Index and Immigration List Index - Entries in the index include the name and age of immigrant; year and place of arrival, or naturalization; and associated family members who arrived with the entrant.
Military Records
Fold3 - Access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served.
New York History
New York Heritage - A free website is a research portal for anyone interested in learning more about the people, places and institutions of New York State. It features collections from libraries across New York State.
Newspaper Databases
American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger
Hudson River Valley Historical Newspapers
New York Times Historical (1851-2014)
Newsday Historical (1940-1989)
New York State Historic Newspapers
Yearbooks
SHPL Yearbook Collection - Covers Walt Whitman High School, South Huntington High School, Holy Family High School, and St. Anthony’s High School.
Upcoming Area Programs
The Patchogue-Medford Library will offer two genealogy programs in August. Both can be attended virtually. On Wednesday, August, 13 at 10 a.m., there will be a Virtual Genealogy Discussion Group. Get help with researching your ancestors. Come discuss strategies and learn how others have succeeded. Attend via Zoom only. Register here.
On Monday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a hybrid presentation by genealogist Sarah Guttman, “Start Climbing Your FamilyTree: An Intro to Genealogy.” Join genealogist Sarah Guttman and learn how and where to start planting your family tree. Find out what records are out there and how to utilize Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. Attend in person or via Zoom.For those attending in person, the meeting will take place at the Medford branch. Register here.