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 or search archival collections.
We welcome visits from classes or groups of all ages. If you have a local history or genealogy topic you wish to explore, or if you’d simply like to learn about all of the wonderful resources we have here in the division, please fill out this form. Please note that we appreciate having two weeks’ notice for a group visit.
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org
2nd Floor of the Rundel Memorial Library Building.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Index of birth, marriage and death notices published in Rochester, NY, newspapers ca. 1960- 2016.
The NYS Historic Newspapers project provides free online access to a wide range of newspapers chosen to reflect New York’s unique history. Many newspapers from Rochester and Monroe County are available.
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.
© 2025 Rochester Public Library. All Rights Reserved.
Website designed and developed by Mason Digital.
