Research: Topics: Genealogy: Genealogy Records
Introduction
Records in the New York State Archives document functions and activities of State government; none of the records were created for the purpose of genealogical research. However, the Archives does hold many records containing information on individuals. Among these records are indexes to vital records (births, marriages, deaths); records documenting war service (Revolutionary War through World War I); land records (mostly transactions involving the Colony or State of New York); trial court records (including colonial wills and early nineteenth century civil cases); and records of some State-run correctional and custodial institutions.
This leaflet provides introductory, summary information on the record series in the New York State Archives that are most useful for genealogical research. (A "record series" is a group of files or documents maintained together because they relate to the same function or activity.) In some series information about individuals is accessible through an index or alphabetical arrangement. Many other series lack indexes, making searches difficult. Series titles and numbers are indicated in bold face type. Titles are sometimes abbreviated. Links to the on-line catalog description are provided by clicking on the series number.
The leaflet refers the researcher to published guides and indexes to records in the Archives; and mentions some sources of genealogical data at other levels of government. Persons planning to use the State Archives for genealogical research are encouraged to become familiar with the techniques and sources of family history and with basic facts of New York State history, government, and geography. See references in the bibliography at the end of this leaflet.