Due to moving out of my apartment and still unpacking (and trying to figure out where some things are) I am behind in sharing press releases related to history and genealogy. It’s likely you read about this collaboration a few days ago, but in case you didn’t, please read on.
Press releases were received from FamilySearch and several organizations in New York. The following paragraphs are from those and at the end is a link to more information, including some cool statistics. My hope is that the work continues and includes more original records.
Office of Cultural Education Announces Collaboration With FamilySearch To Expand Access to Genealogy Records
Documents from the New York State Library and New York State Archives to Be Made Available for Free
The New York State Library and New York State Archives are working with global nonprofit genealogy organization, FamilySearch(link is external) International, in an exciting effort to expand access to some of the state’s most important ancestry records and historical collections, the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education announced today. Through this collaborative effort, thousands of records will be made available online in digital format for the first time, providing researchers with greater access to the documents from anywhere in the world.
Since January 2026, Mark and Lynne Hamp, a retired couple from Utah, have been scanning books from the New York State Library’s collection for digital access on FamilySearch, the largest genealogy organization in the world. Important collections the Hamps have scanned so far include family histories, with plans to include local histories and genealogy periodicals, such as society and family association journals. As FamilySearch volunteers, the Hamps will remain in Albany until the end of the year.
New York State Librarian Lauren Moore said, “We could not be more excited to welcome Mark and Lynne. Digitizing our physical collections has always been a priority and this collaboration advances our mission to responsibly preserve and maintain these invaluable works. While we always look forward to assisting genealogists in person at the Library, providing increased online access to important reference books opens the door to new research opportunities for those unable to travel to the Capital Region.”
Viviane Davis, Collections Manager at the FamilySearch Library said, “The books we are scanning at the New York State Library are especially significant because they preserve materials that are both rare and deeply rooted in the local communities. The collection includes many unique local family histories, as well as county and local histories, many of which are not widely available elsewhere and provide invaluable insight into regional heritage, migration patterns, and community development. By digitizing these works, we are not only safeguarding fragile, often one-of-a-kind resources but also making them more accessible to researchers, genealogists, and the public. These books will be added to FamilySearch’s digital collection(link is external) online, ensuring that these important historical narratives remain available for generations to come.”
© 2026, Paula Stuart-Warren. All rights reserved.
