County Historian

Welcome to the website of the County Historian! 


Browse around to find online resources, request research assistance, and explore Livingston County history.

The County Historian's Office has reopened!

Please note our new health and safety protocols:

•    The office is open to the public by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled by phone or email.

•    Please arrive on time. If you cannot make your appointment, notify us to cancel or reschedule.

•    Only one researcher will be permitted in the research room at a time. No guests are allowed.

•    Properly worn face masks are required at all times while in our facility.

•    Hands must be sanitized upon entry, and non-latex gloves will be provided to researchers to wear while handling materials.

•    If you have been outside of NYS in the past 14 days, you may not be permitted entry to our building. Please see latest guidance for travelers here: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

•    Remember, you can always submit a research request or call us for prompt, contact-free research assistance!


Livingston County Womens Biographical Review PR flyer

In honor of Livingston County’s Bicentennial in 2021, the County Historian’s Office is seeking biographical information on notable women associated with the county from all time periods. Whether large or small, local women’s diverse contributions add to the depth and breadth of local history. Please help document women’s stories by submitting a biography of a notable woman today! 

Deadline: November 15, 2020

Click here to submit a biography

*****************************************************************************************************************


COVID-19 Documentation Project

The County Historian is requesting assistance from the public to help document the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Submit your experiences and/or images directly here:
***************************************************************************************************************************


Livingston County Bicentennial

In 2021 Livingston County will celebrate 200 years! Keep checking back here and on Livingston County social media for updates and events leading up to the big year.

Livingston County Bicentennial Seal
hoyt

Doing Research?

We are excited to help! Here are some ways you can start: 

  1. Search our online Records Index for a name.
  2. Send us your specific questions or call us!
  3. Plan a visit - we have an extensive research center.
  4. Browse other recommended digital resources and repositories to track down information.

What's New?

Local History Out Loud - Part 2

September 2020

Image of railraod tracks winding along gorge in Letchworth state ParkThis video explores Livingston County's response to preserve the Union, massive changes in the post-Civil War era, the rise of industrialization, social reform, and the woman's rights movement in the mid- to late 19th century.  Included are several biographical segments on notable individuals who influenced local and national history.

Up and Down the Hemlock

August 2020

Written iUp and Down the Hemlock covern 1883, during Hemlock Lake's residential and tourism peak, this little book captures some history of the people and places around the lake. Discover sordid drownings, identify former cottages, and meet "Maloy the Hermit." Search the index here and view the digitized book here.

Groveland Town Clerk’s Book, 1797-1833

May 2020

Who were Hercules Williams, Valentine Stufflebeam, and Enoch Squibb? Groveland Town Clerk's Book, 1797-1833

The personalities of these and other early residents of Groveland can only be imagined, but as we continue to index this volume, we learn just how many roles each person played to keep early Groveland functioning. Search our Online Records Index for your Groveland ancestors. 

Women’s History Trail

March 2020

Explore some of the contributions women have made to Livingston County with this new OnCell tour, and check back for periodic additions!

Womens History Trail image

Alms House Register, 1877-1921

September 2019

Indexing of this massive register has just been completed and lists those seeking assistance at the Alms House (later County Home). Searching for that missing person? This book may help track them. Search for ancestors’ names on our Online Records Index.

hoyt
B7 F19 p4877

Photographs from the Archives