Genealogical Guide
to
Monroe County, New York

This will hopefully help locate some of the genealogical resources of Monroe County. The genealogist should have some basic knowledge of finding family records before using this guide. This guide is specifically for use in finding out more about ancestors and other "cousins" who lived in Monroe County. In the past, many people lived in the area for a short time before moving to new open lands to the west. Other families have lived in the area for many generations.

This page links to chapters that are PDF files that can be viewed online or downloaded. Those chapters include links to many other websites where the genealogical records are located. Each of those websites vary on how to find records within their website. You should take some time to learn how to navigate those websites.

Not all genealogical records are now, nor ever will be, online. The genealogy researcher should try to visit the Rochester Public Library. Located in the old Rundel building (115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604) is the Local History & Genealogy Division. they have a collection of genealogies. They also have city and suburban directories, school yearbooks, old newspapers on microfilm, tombstone records and many other items of local interest.

The Monroe County Clerk’s Office (39 W. Main St., Rochester, NY 14614) and Monroe County Surrogate (probate) Court (99 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614) are also located in downtown Rochester.

For books indicated in some chapters, if the book is online then the title to the book will have a link to the book. For newer books or old books that haven't been digitized then there is a link to WorldCat. If you put in your zip-code in WorldCat it will show the library with the book that is closest to you.

Some of the links to records on FamilySearch go to web pages of images that are only available to be viewed when at a local Family History Library. Record the name of the collection and film number to use at your next visit to a F. H. Library. Some of those libraries may allow you to connect via Wi-Fi so you could use your own computer.

Please notify the author via email if you find any errors in the information in the chapters or even grammar or spelling errors.