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.
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
First Floor
Room 121
New York, NY 10018
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 |
About the Division

Visiting the Collection
Can researchers walk in to access the collection?
Patrons are encouraged to book an appointment to access materials. Same-day appointments can be made in person pending availability.
Are research appointments required to access the collection onsite?
No, although we recommend that patrons book an appointment to access materials in the collection and our onsite databases.
Are virtual consultations available and are they required before making an onsite research appointment?
Virtual consultations are available for researchers who wish to discuss their research. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our librarians. You do not have to have a virtual 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.
Featured
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Digital Collections
Interact with digitized items from the Milstein Division.
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Inside The New York Public Library
Step inside the Milstein Division with this video.
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Research Guides
Explore specialized lists, indexes, bibliographies, and more.
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Genealogy Essentials
Let the Library help with your genealogy research! We offer classes covering research strategies, best practices, and more.
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From Our Blogs
Check out blogs from the expert librarians of the Milstein Division.
Events
See All-
Advanced Steps in African American Genealogy
Tuesday, August 16 | 1 PM -
Genealogy Essentials: Census Research and Vital Records
Wednesday, August 17 | 1 PM -
Genealogy Research with Maps
Wednesday, August 24 | 1 PM -
Fact and Fiction in Local History Research
Thursday, August 25 | 1 PM -
Getting Started in Genealogy Research
Wednesday, August 31 | 1 PM -
An Introduction to African-American Genealogy Research
Thursday, September 8 | 1 PM