New York State Ancestry: Research Techniques and Resources - February 2026

Course Type:  Immersive

February 21, 2026 1PM - 3PM ET

Discover the Hidden Stories in New York State's Vast Collections!

New York State holds a treasure trove of historical documents just waiting to reveal your family's past. Are you ready to dive deep and find your ancestors within its remarkable records?

Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert

Jeanette Sheliga of Jeanette’s Genealogy lives in Lockport, NY and has been researching her family tree since 2002 and lecturing since 2011. She has had the privilege to speak for societies, libraries, and institutes and publish articles in various genealogy magazines. Jeanette is the President of the Virtual Genealogical Association (VGA) and holds leadership positions in local and national societies.

This two-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Jeanette, you’ll benefit from:

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Receive clear, guided instruction that helps you confidently determine exactly which records are available for the specific locations you are researching within New York State.
• Expanded Knowledge Base: Become familiar with new and powerful record collections you may not have utilized before.
• Effective Search Strategies: Learn proven techniques for navigating and searching these collections efficiently to find your ancestors.
• PLUS - Registrants receive the New York State  Research Guide ($9.99 value) FREE

Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered during the session and through our exclusive online forum for 7 days. You'll have access to the instructor for 7 days after the live sessions via a dedicated discussion board, ensuring all your questions are answered and you receive personalized guidance as you apply what you've learned.

Can’t attend live? No worries! All registered students receive access to the session recording for a full year, so you can revisit the material whenever it’s convenient for you.

What You’ll Learn

• The Vital Record Detective: Stop guessing! Learn the precise rules to determine if a vital record (birth, marriage, or death) should exist for your ancestor and master the best, most efficient method for ordering an official copy.
• Decoding the State Census: Unlock the secrets hidden within New York's unique State Census records. Discover exactly how to locate these crucial documents and what compelling, detailed information they hold about your family's life between federal counts.
• Courts and Legal Trails: Navigate the complex world of NYS courts. Understand the various court systems and uncover how your ancestors may have interacted with them, leaving behind a fascinating paper trail (from probate to lawsuits).
• Microfilm Search Mastery: Get hands-on practice with advanced techniques, including full-text searching, to pull your ancestors' names out of dense, microfilmed New York State court records.
• The Clerk's Archival Treasures: Become intimately familiar with the diverse holdings of the County and Town Clerk's offices. Learn precisely where to look for the oldest and most valuable historical records in their custody.
  

Enroll today to master New York State records and finally unlock the full story of your ancestors!