Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County

The Local History & Genealogy Division is located on the 2nd floor of the Rundel Library Building. This Division holds the largest collection of primary and secondary source materials about the history of Rochester and the Genesee Valley in the region, as well as a vast assemblage of resources to help you research your family history. Materials do not circulate; they must be used in the division.

Expert staff are available to help you by telephone, email, or in person for quick reference questions. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are recommended for researchers wishing to use our special collections and those needing assistance with in-depth inquiries. Request an appointment.

1950 Census

The 1950 census records were released by the U.S. National Archives on April 1, 2022. This website provides full access to the 1950 census images, including population schedules, enumeration district maps, and enumeration district descriptions.

American Ancestors

Early American genealogical records, searchable genealogical research journals and magazines, and the largest collection of U.S Catholic records online. Full access for free in the library.

Ancestry

The world’s largest online family history resource providing access to billions of historical records, millions of family trees, census records, military records, and more. Full access for free in the library.

FIMo (Fire Insurance Maps online)

Color high resolution images of maps of New York State municipalities and settled areas from 1875 to 1950 from the world’s largest online digital collection of color fire insurance maps, real estate atlases and similar land use maps for North America. Full access for free in the library.

Find My Past

United Kingdom-based genealogy website providing access to more than 4 billion searchable records of census, directory, and historical information from the UK and around the world. Full access for free in the library.

Heritage Quest

A partner of Ancestry that provides access to genealogical and historical resources for more than 60 countries, with coverage dating back to the 1700s. Access from home with your library card.

Life Records

Index of birth, marriage and death notices published in Rochester, NY, newspapers ca. 1960- 2016.

ProQuest Newspapers: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

This collection of digitized newspapers provides genealogists, researchers, and scholars with easily searchable online access to historical and recent content from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Full access for free in the library. Remote access available for City of Rochester residents only.

• Reference Services & Materials
• Archives & Special Collections
• Digital Collections
• Rochester Images
• Genealogy