Thank you for registering for the online seminar, Researching Upstate New York Ancestors!
Finding information about New York ancestors can be tricky. A fire in 1911 at the State Library and the fact that statewide registration of vital records did not start until 1880 only adds to the difficulty. From the colonial period through the 19th and early 20th centuries, this online course will guide you through the maze of genealogical pitfalls, and to the bright spots in New York research. Our New York experts will discuss the settlement of New York and early migrations, vital records and substitutes, land and probate records, the state census, and more. NOTE: This course does NOT include New York City research or resources.
This course includes five 90-minute classes and exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation. These recordings and all course materials will be available for the foreseeable future.
CLASS TOPICS
Class 1: Settlement of New York State, presented by Elizabeth Peay
This first class will provide much the historical context of New York State’s settlement and development. Genealogist Elizabeth Peay will discuss the settlement and brief history of the colony, pre- and post- Rev War migrations, and then finally New York’s statehood and boundary disputes. Understanding the reasons why New York State was settled and by whom can lead to a greater understanding of your own ancestors’ motivations and perhaps even their origins.
Class 2: Finding Your New York Ancestors in the 19th Century, presented by David Allen Lambert
Many family historians don’t have to research their New York ancestors for very long before they hit a genealogical brick wall—usually in 19th century. In this class session, David Allen Lambert will discuss the resources and strategies for finding your ancestors in the 19th century. He will first discuss what vital records exist and how to locate them; then demonstrate how the federal census, the New York state census, Church records, and many other record sets can be used to find vital information.
Class 3: Using and Understanding New York Land Records, presented by Kyle Hurst
With the start of vital records being recorded so late for the state of New York, land and probate records become especially important resources for genealogists. In this class, Senior Genealogist Kyle Hurst will help you navigate the complicated world of New York State deeds, focusing on the various jurisdictional levels that created land records—from county land deeds to proprietorships and land companies.
Class 4: Using and Understanding New York Probate Records, presented by Melanie McComb
Probate records are an incredibly important resource for family historians, especially when doing New York research. In this class, Melanie McComb will provide a brief introduction to probate records—including key terms and why they are important for family historians. She will then discuss the unique history of probate for the state of New York and how to locate these crucial resources.
Class 5: Strategies for Success in NY: Case Studies, presented by Christopher C. Child
In this final class, we will look at several case studies, demonstrating how a combination of research strategies and the records available can lead to success.
COURSE HANDOUTS
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
Class 1: Settlement of New York State
Live Broadcast: July 31, 2025
Presented by: Elizabeth Peay
Running Time: 1:35:50
Class 2: Finding Your New York Ancestors in the 19th Century
Live Broadcast: August 7, 2025
Presented by: David Allen Lambert
Running Time: 1:31:15
Class 3: Using and Understanding New York Land Records
Live Broadcast: August 14, 2025
Presented by: Kyle Hurst
Running Time: 1:36:51
Class 4: Using and Understanding New York Probate Records
Live Broadcast: August 21, 2025
Presented by: Melanie McComb
Running Time: 1:35:55
Class 5: Strategies for Success in NY: Case Studies
Live Broadcast: August 28, 2025
Presented by: Christopher C. Child
Running Time: 1:29:10
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Christopher C. Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press, Editor of the Mayflower Descendant, and Associate Editor of the Register, has worked for various departments at American Ancestors since 1997 and became a full-time employee in July 2003. He has been a member of American Ancestors since the age of eleven. He has written several articles in American Ancestors, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, and The Mayflower Descendant. He is the co-editor of The Ancestry of Catherine Middleton (American Ancestors, 2011), co-author of The Descendants of Judge John Lowell of Newburyport, Massachusetts (Newbury Street Press, 2011) and Ancestors and Descendants of George Rufus and Alice Nelson Pratt (Newbury Street Press, 2013), and author of The Nelson Family of Rowley, Massachusetts (Newbury Street Press, 2014). Chris holds a B.A. in history from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. His Areas of expertise include Southern New England, especially Connecticut; New York; ancestry of notable figures, especially presidents; genetics and genealogy; African-American and Native-American genealogy, 19th and 20th Century research, westward migrations out of New England, and applying to hereditary societies. Chris has lectured on these topics and edits the genetics and genealogy column for American Ancestors.
Kyle Hurst, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press, researches and writes family histories. She has authored several books under the Newbury Street Press imprint, including Ancestors and Descendants of Charles Le Caron and Victoire Sprague, winner of the 2020 National Genealogical Society Award for Excellence in Genealogy and Family History. She contributes the State Spotlight column for our quarterly American Ancestors magazine. Each article highlights a topic especially relevant for the selected U.S. state. Kyle presents frequently on proper source documentation and writing in a narrative style via courses, conferences, and webinars. In her research, she focuses on the mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New England, and various European countries. Leading up to a career in genealogy, Kyle earned a BA in both History and Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a Master’s certificate in Museum Studies from Tufts University. She volunteered with in American Ancestor’s conservation lab for two years before joining the staff in 2008.
David Allen Lambert Chief Genealogist, has been on the staff of American Ancestors since 1993. David is an internationally recognized speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. Lambert has published many articles in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the New Hampshire Genealogical Record, Rhode Island Roots, Mayflower Descendant, and American Ancestors magazine. He has authored and or co-authored in the published genealogies presented to David McCullough, Ken Burns, Angela Lansbury, Michael and Kitty Dukakis, Nathaniel Philbrick, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. He has also published eleven books including A Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries (American Ancestors, 2018), and Vital Records of Stoughton, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1850 (Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, 2008). David received his B.A. in History from Northeastern University. David is an elected Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, Mass., and a life member of the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati and the General Society of the War of 1812. David also serves as the tribal genealogist for the Massachusett Tribe at Punkapoag in Massachusetts. His areas of expertise include New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; American and international military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American genealogical research in New England.
Melanie McComb, Senior Genealogist, assists library visitors, both on-site and online, with their family history research. She is an international lecturer who teaches on a variety of topics. Melanie holds a B.S. degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. She previously served as the social media coordinator for the NextGen Genealogy Network, a non-profit that creates a community for younger genealogists, where she managed the Facebook and Twitter accounts. She continues her interest in helping younger genealogists get involved at American Ancestors by assisting with educational programs from local schools, scout groups, and universities. Her areas of expertise include Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.
Elizabeth Peay, Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press, works as a genealogist for the Publishing team, writing for the Newbury Street Press. Using extensive research and advanced scholarship, she compiles and produces family history projects to meet the highest scholarly standards. One of Elizabeth’s most notable works is the three volume Biographies of Original Members and Qualifying Officers: Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut. Throughout her work, Elizabeth stays in contact with the Advancement team in order to ensure a strong line of communication with her clients. She also works with the Education department to create and deliver lectures, some of which have focused on colonial New England genealogy and Revolutionary War genealogy. Elizabeth has also contributed to the Vita Brevis blog. Prior to her work with American Ancestors, Elizabeth studied at the University of Connecticut and Smith College, earning a dual BA in History and Classical Studies. She completed an internship for the Tiffany Windows Education Center in Boston and worked for Historic New England at Roseland Cottage. Elizabeth’s areas of expertise include colonial New England, the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, Land Bounty records, and Pension records.