Genealogical Records Restrictions in NYC

Bad news on the horizon. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is proposing a new rule that will restrict access to both birth and death records. If this rule is implemented then New York City birth records will be unavailable for 125 years (1892) and death records held for 75 years (1942). Aside from this being bad for New York researchers, other states and municipalities could follow this plan if New York City is successful.

The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society is leading the fight against this. According to the NYG&B, "Genealogists across the country are constantly battling with state and local governments to keep public records easily accessible. We fear that if this proposal succeeds, state and local governments everywhere will attempt to impose similar restrictions in an effort to save themselves time and money. We strongly feel that now is the time for us all to take a stand - if New York City receives a resounding no from the genealogy community, other governments elsewhere will think twice before trying the same thing. 

Anyone - even those outside of New York - can help us in our endeavor. To keep these historical records accessible to the millions who have New York ancestors, we need to mobilize quickly and act decisively.

Visit our Save NYC Vital Records Access page to see how you can help - the deadline for action is October 24, 2017 at 5:00 pm ET. 

What can I do to stop this?

New York City is accepting public comments on the matter until October 24. A big public outcry might just be enough to convince them to drop the idea. Please visit our Save NYC Vital Records Access page to read about everything you can do to help. In short, there are four things: 

1. Send your own public comment: Your individual written comment to the NYC Department of Health matters. Draft your own, or simply download the letter from our website, sign your name, and send it in. 
2. Attend the hearing: There will be a public hearing on this issue on October 24. The NYG&B is gathering as many community members as possible to pack the house and show our support for open access to historical records!
3. Sign our petition: We have prepared our own official public comment that will provide an authoritative and well-reasoned argument in support of our position, and we're inviting anyone with an interest to sign on in support. Click here to read the letter and sign. 
4. Share the news: The key to our success is to mobilize massive numbers of vocal citizens who support our position. Click here for links to Facebook posts, Tweets, and emails that you can share to spread the word. 

Upcoming Genealogy Event

Coming up soon is a genealogy event hosted by the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society in Albany at the New York State Library on October 29 through October 31. Below is an excerpt from their webpage.

Research in Albany 2015

When: Thursday, October 29, 2015 – 8:30am to Saturday, October 31, 2015 – 5:00pm
Venue: Albany, New York
Sponsor: The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society

The NYG&B’s popular research trip Albany is Thursday-Saturday, October 29-31, 2015. Join the New York experts, the people who know New York research best, for three days of research concentrated in the vast resources of New York State Archives and the New York State Library. You’ll also enjoy the camaraderie of friendly people who share your interest in family history.

If you need additional information please email education@nygbs.org or call (212) 755 – 8532 x211.

Members $295.00/ Non-Members $360.00. Price guaranteed through April 30. Purchase tickets for the event via our online store. Please call the Hilton directly at 518-462-6611 for room reservations and use code 1GENEB.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Orientation to the New York State Archives and the New York State Library by staff experts.
A private consultation with a professional genealogist.
Access to a professional genealogist for all three days of the program.
Welcome gathering on Wednesday night (Oct. 28) Dinner on Thursday night. (Guests not registered for the research experience may attend the dinner for just $40.)
Wine and cheese reception on Friday evening.
Lunch in the library on Saturday.
Reduced rates at the Albany Hilton

October Genealogical Conference in Albany

An upcoming genealogical conference is coming to Albany next week.  Details are pasted below.

Thursday-Saturday, October 24-26, 2013
The NYG&B is returning to Albany! Join the New York experts, the people who know New York research best, for three days of research and genealogical camaraderie.

Program fee of $170 for members/ $210 for non-members includes:

• Welcome reception
• Orientations to the NY State Archives and the NY State Library
• A private consultation with a genealogical professional
• Three days of assisted research
• Wine and cheese party
• Gala dinner on October 24 with a talk
• Brainstorming and networking with fellow genealogy researchers at social events
• Reduced rates at Hilton Albany (formerly the Crowne Plaza Albany)

JOIN US: The program fee, including a dinner, reception, and all other arrangements, is $170 for members, $210 for non-members. Guests for dinner $35.
You may register online at www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org; or email education@nygbs.org; or by telephone 212-755-8532, ext. 211.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We have arranged a special room rate at the Hotel Albany of $110 per night, single or double. Please call the hotel directly at 518-462-6611 and mention group code 1GENE (the NYG&B program) to get this rate.

When: 

Thursday, October 24, 2013 - 9:00am to Saturday, October 26, 2013 - 5:00pm

Sponsor: 

The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society