The Ontario County Historical Society maintains a large collection of material relevant to the research of local history and genealogy. Our collection of local histories and manuscripts, cemetery and census records, early newspapers, and published genealogies are an outstanding resource for anyone researching Ontario County families, with correspondence files dating back 60 years. We have many original and microfilmed documents pertaining to the creation and growth of the County. Our collection includes a microfilmed copy of the original Oliver Phelps ledger containing detailed transactions and maps of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, the transaction which opened Western New York State to settlement in 1788.

We are slowly indexing our collection and have provided an inquiry feature for you to check and see if the person you are researching is listed.  Click on the Inquiry button if you wish to execute a search.    

If you find a name you are interested in; the following charges apply:

A lookup is available for each resource the name is located in for $10.00 each.   Ontario County Historical Society members are welcome to do their own research free of charge, non members are charged a $7.50 fee. Research assistance, by staff and volunteers, is available by mail at a cost of $30.00 per hour. This fee covers processing, research and postage. Photocopies are available for fifty cents per page.

When requesting us to do your research you should provide as much pertinent information as you can about the subject, individual or family. If we know what sources you have checked and what information you already, have, it will help us focus our research and avoid costly duplication of efforts.

For your convenience, click the link, below to print our Research Form

A minimum payment of $30.00 (or half of your authorized cost), is due with your request, and should be mailed with your request to:

Ontario County Historical Society 55 North Main Street Canandaigua, NY 14424 (585) 394-4975