Forms, information for prospective student-athletes.
The Special Collections Department of Penfield Library is not a geneological library. We have a local history book and manuscript collection, and an oral history tape collection which may be of interest to genealogists in some cases. Our holdings can be searched through our library catalog. Special Collections also houses college records and other collections, but these must be searched on the premises.
There are more accessible resources for genealogists in Penfield's other collections, for example the 19th century newspapers on microfilm for which we have an index that currently covers most of the years from 1820 until 1856. This index is based on a card index which is still being converted. The microfilm of the newspapers, like the census, the local history journal and most local history books are available in the regular collection.
Genealogists are welcome to visit the library and use these materials. To help orientate you, we have prepared an annotated "Guide to the Genealogical Resources of Penfield Library." A copy may be found at the Research Help Desk.
Please keep in mind that with a few exceptions, we do not have vital records, cemetery records, property records, or local school records. Nor do we keep a thorough index of obituaries. We are not primarily a genealogical library. The best place for you to start is:
County Historian
384 E. River Rd.
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-8460
315-349-8458 (fax)
Other Northern New York historical collections can be found in the Archival Directory.
Research
We do not have staff time to do your research for you. For research assistance, contact the Oswego County Historical Society. It operates a research and referral service for genealogists and is experienced in this line of inquiry.
Director Terry Prior
135 East Third St.
Oswego, NY 13126
315-343-1342
There may be fees attached to this service.