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
- Top Websites for Western New York Genealogy
- Lesser-known Western New York Records
- Panel Discussion with Rhonda Hoffman and Jeanette Sheliga on Resources at the Grosvenor Room at the Central Library of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
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. Rhonda has attended numerous genealogy institutes and is a ProGen 57 graduate.
Jeanette Sheliga of Jeanette’s Genealogy lives in Lockport, New York. She has been researching her family tree since 2002 and lecturing since 2011, speaking on behalf of societies and libraries locally and all over the world. Jeanette is the President of the Virtual Genealogical Association and holds positions in local, state, and national societies. She has completed the study groups of ProGen 49 and ProGen Practicum 02 as well as 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.