Research: Topics: Genealogy: Genealogy Records
Access to Records in the New York State Archives
Researcher Assistance provides information on holdings, services, current public hours, and policies of the New York State Archives. Records are not available for use while they are being microfilmed or processed, or if they are so fragile that handling would damage them. If records are available on microfilm, access to the original documents is restricted. While most records in the Archives are available under New York State's Freedom of Information Law, some records contain information that is restricted by law.
Record series in the Archives are listed in the published Guide to Records in the New York State Archives (1993) and described in our on-line catalog, Excelsior. Various other Archives publications describe records of particular agencies, institutions, and topical areas. Visit the Guides to Historical Records section of the Publications area to obtain a PDF or print copy of this publication. Additionally, unpublished descriptions of and finding aids to record series may be used at the Archives. Some records are available on microfilm; most of the film may be purchased, or borrowed through inter-library loan.
Search Services
The Archives will attempt to locate records relating to specific individuals, but will search only those record series that are indexed or otherwise easily accessible by name. The researcher must provide specific information on the individual who is the subject of the search. There is a charge for photocopies or abstracts of records. On searches of war service records, see below.