What is Local History exactly? Here at the library, Local History covers a lot, from high school yearbooks to historic atlases, and genealogy to oral histories, there are many possibilities for exploring Greenburgh’s heritage. Our Local History Room, included in the library’s extensive 2008 renovation, houses a unique reference collection of items that document the history of Greenburgh and the surrounding area. We also provide opportunities to connect to Greenburgh’s past through monthly programs that have featured local authors, historians, notable performers and athletes, and more. Whether you are just starting your family tree, locating information about a remarkable house, or interested in tracking down a historic photo, library staff are here to help.
Take a look below and see the many ways that we can help connect you to Greenburgh history.
GPL Hours:
Monday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Staff Picks: Local History
How To Start Your Genealogy Research
How much do you know about your family, and where they came from? Are you interested in learning more about your roots? Local History staff and genealogy buffs Nancy Larrabee and Vincent Bonacci have lots of great recommendations for resources to get you started in your research.
1.) Print a free template of a family tree or draw one. Fill in the blanks as far as you can. Talk to family members. Review family albums.
3.) Consider variations of last names and place names. Also geography has changed over centuries. Consult older maps where an ancestor might have lived. Keep in mind death certificates were not required until the early 20th century.
4.) Write everything down and don't give up - a search can take time and continue over generations.
The Town of Greenburgh honors local veterans through the Veterans Living History project. Veterans Living History is a collection of video recordings of local veterans telling their stories of war and military service. Learn more about local veteran Donald Blum, and his harrowing account of the sinking of the
Are you an alumni of alocal school interested in taking a peek back into your past? Take a look at all of the yearbooks available in the Local History Room’s reference collection!
Scarsdale Inquirer on Microfilm
The Greenburgh Local History Room now has the Scarsdale Inquirer available on microfilm! Thanks to the generosity of the Scarsdale Public Library, the microfilm and the microfilm reader are on loan to our Local History Room until construction on their new library is complete in 2020. If you are doing research and would like to use the microfilm, please contact the Adult Information Desk at 914-721-8225.
