of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
2nd Floor, Rundel Memorial Building
(585) 428-8370 Hours

The Local History and Genealogy Division offers expert in-person reference service, as well as telephone and email service for quick reference questions. All materials in the Local History and Genealogy Division are restricted to use within the department. Also, as many materials are old and fragile, photocopying is restricted, but patrons may bring in equipment to photograph items.

Scope of the collection

The collection includes materials, in a number of formats, which deal with the history of Rochester and the Genesee Valley. There is also a genealogy and heraldry collection which includes basic reference works, specialized guides, and a number of family histories for New York and New England families.

Some highlights of the collection are:

• A 500,000 item newspaper index providing name and subject access to Rochester newspapers published between 1818 and 1903
• A 5-million item newspaper clipping file, also arranged by name and subject
• A Civil War research collection for NY units, along with a guide to research
• A photograph collection of 20,000 items arranged by subject

Additional resources are listed on the main  Local History and Genealogy page for the Monroe County Library system.