Our Collection
| Description The local history and genealogy collection spans the years 1788 to present, and includes over 1,100 volumes, consisting of books, atlases, histories, city directories, indices, and microfilmed newspapers. Inclusion in this collection is based on content, and focuses primarily on materials that are about Geneva, Ontario County and the surrounding Finger Lakes region, or New York State. However, this collection also includes some 19th century books that were published and/or printed in Geneva, New York. |
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Audience
The Geneva Public Library’s local history and genealogy collection is of special interest to historians and genealogical researchers. Most historians will only find this collection useful if their research is related to Geneva, New York. However, some of the genealogical materials pertain to New York State and New England, and the genealogy databases contain records from all across the United States. |
Research Sources (see
catalog
for a complete listing of specific titles) |
Atlases
An important resource for determining local boundaries and other historical and geographical information is the Library’s collection of local history atlases. Some of these include:
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| Books Most of the
local history and genealogy collection consists of monographs, ranging from
books regarding local genealogy to books about the history of Geneva and
surrounding areas. |
City Directories Important information for local history and genealogical
research can be discovered using city directories, which not only include names,
addresses and phone numbers, but also advertisements and information about local
businesses. The city directories owned by the Library span the mid-1800s to
present, with some gaps in coverage. For a complete list of coverage, view the
online catalog or browse the collection in person. Another source for Geneva
city directories is the Geneva Historical Society located on South Main Street. |
Databases (see Genealogy Databases)*
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| Indices
There are several indices that may be helpful in genealogical research
for people that lived in and around Geneva. Some of these titles
include: All name index to
History of Ontario Co., New York by Mary Loeper Colf, John I. Loeper and
Ruth Nightingale; Index of burials in Glenwood Cemetary, city of Geneva, Ontario
County, New York by Diane H. Stigler; and Index to the History of Ontario
County, New York, compiled by Clyde M. Maffin and Dorothy E. Maffin. |
Newspapers The newspaper coverage for Geneva and surrounding areas is from 1806 to present. During this time, area residents have seen many different name changes. Specific dates for these different newspapers appear below in chronological order. (Note: for much of the 19th century there were multiple newspapers covering the events of Geneva.)
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Access The local history and genealogy collection may be accessed through OWWL - the Pioneer Library System’s online
catalog.
By using the advanced search option and selecting the location “local history and genealogy”, it is possible to see a complete
list of materials in this collection. (Note: the microfilmed newspapers are located in the microfilm section and are not cataloged
under local history and genealogy.) To provide for proper protection and preservation of the collection, the local history and
genealogy collection is currently housed in the second floor board room. If you wish to access the collection, simply ask for more
information at the reference desk.** |
* Access to the genealogical databases (Ancestry Library and HeritageQuest) is on-site only and can only be used from the Geneva Public Library. For more information, contact the reference desk at (315) 781-2935 or genevaref@pls-net.org. |
** Local history and genealogy materials are part of the reference collection and do not circulate. |
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