Research: Topics: Peoples, Groups, & Cultures: Jewish History Resources
Jewish History Resources
Non-Government Historical Resources
Genealogists who expand their search beyond the government archives setting will find a wealth of information preserved and made accessible by libraries, historical societies and archives located throughout the State. These repositories provide access to a number of primary and secondary sources that will assist genealogists in compiling their family histories. Such sources include:
- Local newspapers
- Published family histories
- Copies of vital records and related indexes
- Papers of individuals, businesses, and community organizations
The following directory organizes historical records repositories into six sections:
- Organizations collecting material specific to Jewish communities and their histories
- Public libraries with noteworthy genealogical collections and services
- Historical and genealogical societies with collections from local Jewish individuals and communities
- Museums
- College and University Archives
- Other not-for-profit organizations
The directory was compiled from data collected from four distinct sources:
- The Historic Documents Inventory (HDI), a county level guide to New York State historical records repositories and their holdings. The HDI is available in paper format and is also accessible through Excelsior, the on-line catalog of the New York State Archives and the New York State Library.
- The State Historical Records Advisory Board's survey of Historical Records Repositories in New York State (HRRS). The survey, initiated in 1996, collects data on the holdings and services available through historical records repositories in New York State.
- The Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), a national on-line research database used by research libraries, archival repositories, museums, academic and public libraries.
- A general survey of Jewish genealogy sites on the Internet.
While every effort has been made to provide thorough and accurate information, the family historian is encouraged to contact individual repositories directly for current information on hours, services and collection availability.