Western New York has long been a key gateway and hub for both migration and settlement. Its abundant natural resources and agricultural bounty, key geographical location, extensive waterways and canals, and centers of trade, industry, and commerce have made it an important region for different people of all backgrounds to live, work, and raise families over many centuries.
Join the NYG&B and guest experts for an online exploration of resources and techniques for tracing ancestors in Western New York.
Online sessions include:
- Lectures on a range of topics
- Individual consultation sessions with guest expert genealogists
- Group Q&A periods
- Independent research time
Lecture topics (subject to change):
- An Orientation to New York State and Western New York Research with the NYG&B Team
- A Digital Roadmap to Your Western New York Ancestors with Rhonda Hoffman
Learn to navigate the most valuable online resources for researching Western New Yorkers. We will explore everything from major databases to local historical websites that hold crucial records from Western New York's past.
- Emerging from Obscurity: Lesser-Known Western New York Records with Rhonda Hoffman
Move beyond the usual to discover rich, underutilized sources. This presentation explores four often-overlooked record types that offer unique details about Western New York ancestors. Poorhouse records provide insights into how communities cared for their most vulnerable members while documenting family circumstances. Holland Land Company records reveal early settler land plots and their location on historical maps. Miscellaneous record books often contain gems such as licenses and adoptions. Finally, county supervisors' proceedings may provide details that you thought you would never find.
- Inside the Grosvenor Room: Where Genealogists and Librarians Unite! (panel discussion)
with Rhonda Hoffman and Jeanette Sheliga
An experienced genealogist and a senior Grosvenor Room librarian join forces to provide a comprehensive look at one of Western New York's important genealogy research centers. Learn how to make the most of your visit, get the scoop about cool records, and understand how staff members support family historians.
Program runs from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m. ET each day.
Program Fee
- NYG&B Members Early Registration Rate: $399 (ends June 9, 2025; after that registration rate is $469)
- General Registration: $469
Consultant Bios
Rhonda Hoffman is a genealogy librarian in Buffalo, New York, and a board member of the Western New York Genealogical Society. In 2024, Rhonda was honored by the NYG&B for her 25 years of service to genealogists. Rhonda is a Chautauqua County native, and her family tree includes settlers of all eight Western New York counties. Rhonda frequently lectures across Western New York and is working towards genealogical certification.
Jeanette Sheliga of Jeanette's Genealogy lives in Lockport, New York, and has been lecturing about genealogy since 2011. Jeanette is the President of the Virtual Genealogical Association (VGA), and she holds positions in local, state, and national societies. Jeannette has completed the study groups of ProGen 49 and ProGen Practicum 02 and has attended many genealogy institutes.
About Empire State Exploration
The Empire State Exploration program is an ideal interactive experience for tracing New York ancestors online under the guidance of genealogy experts. Participants join a small online group of fellow researchers for three daylong, at-home sessions of guided research and learning. Each online session is held live and features a special guest expert genealogist, lectures, individual consultation sessions, and group Q&A periods. Participants have access to materials for 30 days following the program.