Getting Started with
New York City Research
Discover your New York City ancestors with our Getting Started with New York City Research download!
New York City’s history reaches back to the 17th century, when Dutch settlers established New Amsterdam. Over the centuries, the city has grown, and its records—as well as access to those records—are distinct from records elsewhere in New York State. When researching your New York City ancestors, look to borough records for city government matters and to county records for state government matters.
This guide provides tips on how to best research your New York City ancestors.
American Ancestors is America’s founding genealogical organization and the most respected name in family history. Established in 1845, We are the nation’s leading comprehensive resource for family history research and the largest Society of its kind in the world. We provide expert family history services through our staff, original scholarship, data-rich website, educational opportunities, and research center to help family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families’ unique place in history.
We are a member-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise.