We require primary sources for each generation. Each generation must have evidence of dates and locations for births, marriages, and deaths, as well as clear connections between the generations.
Scans of government-issued birth, marriage, and death certificates are strongly preferred. When vital records are unavailable, we accept census records, church registers, probate records, military records, and other official contemporary documents. We cannot accept family trees from genealogy websites (Ancestry, FamilySearch, etc.), FindAGrave.com biographies, unsourced online databases, family histories or books without citations, or standalone family Bible entries as primary proof. While family Bibles, published genealogies, and compiled records may serve as supporting evidence, they cannot be your sole proof for any generation. If official records for a generation do not exist, you may need multiple secondary sources that corroborate the same information to meet our documentation standards. Each generational connection must be established through the best available evidence created during your ancestors’ lifetimes.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Mayflower Society Genealogy Tools and Tricks
The Basics of Mayflower Research (YouTube)
NEW YORK:
Finding original documents in New York State and New York City can be particularly challenging. We strongly recommend that requests are made for vital records as soon as possible, as it can take over a year to receive records from the state and/or city. Certified copies are not required; scans are sufficient.
Resources from the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
Birth, Death, or Marriage Records in New York State
New York State Genealogy Records
Many records are held at the county or town level. Please contact the clerk or county archives for the region in which you are interested. See, for example, Ulster County Archives.
New York City Birth and Death Records
New York City Marriage Records
NYC Historical Vital Records Project (from 1855 to 1949)