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New York - Researching: Finding Primary Sources

Provides an overview of resources for researching New York City and the State of New York.

Archives and Special Collections at New York City Institutions

This page lists a selection of institutions across the city holding collections pertaining to New York City history.

► See the topic pages on this guide (Slavery in New York, Native American History, etc) for additional resources.

► If you are unsure where to start looking for sources, schedule a research consultation with a librarian to explore options.

Open Access Digital Collections

Best Bet Search Options

Additional Options

Ancestry.com New York

Several New York repositories have formed a partnership with Ancestry.com to digitize New York family history records and make them available online for free.

Searching for Archives

Plan of the City of New York, 1789

Image credit: "Plan of the city of New York," 1789 via the Library of Congress. Click to enlarge.

Dutch & Colonial New York

Selection of Primary Source Databases at Fordham

Digital Collections on 9/11

Reference & Instruction Department

Reference & Instruction Department
Fordham University Libraries


Walsh Library  ♦  Rose Hill Campus  ♦  718-817-3586   
Quinn Library  ♦  Lincoln Center Campus  ♦  212-636-6050   
Fordham Westchester Library  ♦  Fordham Westchester Campus  ♦  914-367-3061 

library@fordham.edu   ♦   text 71-TXTX-1284 ♦ 
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