Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
First Floor
Room 121
New York, NY 10018
212-930-0828
Directions
Fully Accessible
Open today
10 AM–5:45 PM
Regular Hours
Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy
Day Hours
Monday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–7:45 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Friday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5:45 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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About the Division

Black and white archival photo of New York street.

The Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy collects publications documenting American history on the national, state, and local levels, including extensive holdings on New York City history. The Division has a renowned collection of family histories and other genealogical collections, with a particular focus on the New York region. Included in the collections are published works from the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society library, photographs, vertical files, postcards, and other visual ephemera.

Visiting the Collection

Can researchers access the collection without an appointment?
Patrons are encouraged to book an appointment to access materials in the collection and our onsite databases. Same-day appointments can be made in person pending availability.

Can I book an appointment to speak with a librarian about my research or on the best ways to get started?
Patrons are welcome to book a consultation with one of our librarians to discuss their research projects and to prepare for a visit to the Library.  You do not have to have a consultation prior to your visit to the Local History & Genealogy Division.

What else do researchers need to know about accessing the collection?
Use the catalog to browse collections that may be useful to you in order to request them for your visit. Some collections are stored offsite and require 2–3 days for delivery.

Who can researchers contact with further questions?
Please email us at history@nypl.org with any additional queries or fill out this form: Ask a Question

Learn more about this division

Request a Class Visit

Three researchers sit at a table filled with books in the Rose Main Reading Room.

Our staff welcomes students and instructors to explore the collections and resources at our landmark 42nd Street building. We work with educators to design class visits that use the Library's remarkable collections to foster creative inquiry, build critical thinking and information literacy skills, and inspire wonder and excitement around the process of research. Learn more. 

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