Research: Peoples, Groups, & Cultures: Jewish History Resources
Jewish History Resources
Directories
The following section provides an introduction to historical societies, publications, and internet sites of interest to Jewish genealogists. In a few cases, general genealogy resources are included if they are known to provide significant assistance to family history in general.
Family History Centers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints maintains fifteen History Centers in New York State. Researchers are encouraged to contact the Centers directly for hours and availability of resources.
- Brooklyn
1212 Glenwood Road
(718) 434-8245 - Elmhurst
86-16 60th Road (Spanish speaking)
(718) 478-5337 - Ithaca
114 Burleigh Drive
(607) 257-1334 - Jamestown
851 Forest Avenue
(716) 487-0830 - Lake Placid
Old Military Road and John Brown Road
(518) 523-2889 - Liverpool
4889 Bear Road
(315) 457-5172 - Loudonville
411 Loudon Road
(518) 463-4581 - New York City
125 Columbus Avenue at Lincoln Square
(212) 873-1690 - Pittsford
460 Kreag Road
(716) 248-9930 - Plainview
160 Washington Avenue
(516) 433-0122 - Rochester
1400 Westfall Road
(716) 271-5040 - Scarsdale
60 Wayside Lane
(914) 723-4022 - Vestal
305 Murray Hill Road
(607) 797-3900 - Williamsville
1424 Maple Road
(716) 688-2439 - Yorktown
Route 134
(914) 941-9754
Genealogical and Historical Societies
- Jewish Genealogical Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 286398
New York, NY 10128-0004
(212) 294-8326
For information contact Alex Friedlander at the address listed above or via e-mail at info@jgsny.org. - Jewish Genealogical Society of the Capital District
P.O. Box 5002
Albany, NY 12205-0002
(518) 482-5295 or (800) 626-8235
For information contact Norman Tillman, President at the address listed above or via e-mail at Ntill10123@aol.com - Jewish Genealogy Society of Buffalo
3700 Main St
Amherst, NY 14226-3233
(716) 833-0743
For information contact Dr. Renata Lefcourt at the address listed above or via e-mail at lefcourt@localnet.com - Jewish Genealogy Society of Long Island
37 Westcliff Drive
Dix Hills, NY 11746-5627
(631) 549-9532
For information contact Jackie Wasserstein, President at the address listed above or via e-mail at jwasserst@aol.com - Jewish Genealogical Society of Rochester
265 Viennawood Drive
Rochester, NY 14618-4465
(716) 271-2118
For information contact Bruce Kahn at the address listed above or via e-mail at bkahn@servtech.com - Jewish Historical Society of New York
8 West 70th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 873-0300
- Westchester Jewish Historical Society
12 Clinton Lane
Harrison, NY 10528
(914) 967-4221
Directory of Government Resources
- The
National Archives at New York City
One Bowling Green, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10004
(212) 401-1620
The National Archives - Northeast Region is in downtown Manhattan, four blocks north of the Holland Tunnel. The Archives publishes a descriptive Guide to Records in the National Archives - Northeast Region and a catalog of Microfilm Publications in the National Archives - Northeast Region. The National Archives - Northeast Region has extensive holdings of microfilm publications of genealogical interest including: federal population censuses for all states, 1790-1920; military service records, pension and bounty land warrant applications, passenger lists of vessels arriving at New York; naturalization indexes for New York and New Jersey; and World War II concentration camp records. Located on the 12th floor of the federal building at 201 Varick Street, the Archives is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00-4:30 and the third Saturday of every month, 8:30-4:00 except federal holidays. - The New York State Archives
Cultural Ed. Ctr., 11th floor
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 474-8955
e-mail: archref@mail.nysed.gov
The New York State Archives is located at the Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY. The Archives publishes a Guide to Records in the New York State Archives (Albany: 1993), guides to records of particular agencies, institutions or subject areas, and an Information Leaflet series on topics and records of interest to researchers. Some records are available on microfilm; most film can be purchased or borrowed through interlibrary loan. Information on the holdings and services of the Archives as well as an on-line searchable catalog of holdings can be found on the Archives web site. Situated on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center, the Archives is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00-5:00 except State holidays. - The New York State Library
Cultural Ed. Ctr., 7th floor
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 474-5355
The New York State Library genealogy section maintains a significant collection of genealogical reference works including publications on initiating a family history project, printed family and local histories, bibliographies of military records, and copies of vital records and state and federal census records. The Library also hosts the New York Newspaper Project which identifies, describes, preserves, and makes available to researchers the significant newspapers in all communities in New York State since the 1725. Information on the New York State Library's collections and services are available on its web site. The Library is open Monday through Friday, 9:00-5:00, except State holidays. - City of New York.
Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS)
31 Chambers St.
New York, NY 10007
(212) 788-8607
New York City's Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) includes the Municipal Archives and the Municipal Reference and Research Center. The Municipal Archives maintains civic documents, vital and building records, films and photographs documenting New York City's history. The Archives collections include almshouse records, real estate assessment records, early city and State censuses, city directories, select court records, and vital records (1795-1948). The Municipal Archives is open to the public Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Municipal Reference and Research Center is the City's official depository for all reports and studies published by New York City government agencies. Its holdings include annual and special reports of City agencies, financial records, minutes and proceedings of City boards and legislative bodies, and biographical files. The collections also include New York City neighborhood files and an annotated New York City street name index. In addition to City publications, the Library has State, federal, and commercial publications that relate to the City's past and present activities. The Research Center is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - City of New York, City Clerk's Office
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 669-8170
The New York City Clerks office maintains post 1937 marriage records. The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday 9:00-4:00. Researchers should contact the office directly for information on obtaining copies of marriage licenses. - New York State County Clerks
A listing of New York State County Clerks is available on the New York State Association of County Clerks web site.
