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We regret to inform our patrons that due to situations which arose during the 2013 summer, the following rules and regulations are in effect as of January 1, 2014.


Genealogical & General Research Rules


Only one (1) laptop computer, scanner, or camera allowed in research room or display area per person.

No cases, carry bags, large purses, etc. allowed in research room.

Maximum of ten (10) pages of your research material allowed in research room.

Each individual, researcher or guest, must sign in (current name and mailing address). 

No display case may be opened without the authorization of the Cattaraugus County Museum Board of Directors per Cattaraugus County Resolution #228, dated November 13, 1964.


Genealogy Guide


A Guide to Family History Research, Cattaraugus County, New York


Fee Schedule


Note: If you live outside Cattaraugus County you will be billed for this service.

Fees for research requests are set by the County Legislature range from $5.00 to $15.00 dollars for initial research.

When requesting research to be done many sources are consulted to find information. Your fees are based on the following schedule:

  • County census 1820 through 1880 (census from every five years): $5.00 per name, per year
  • 1892 through 1925 (1900, and every five years after): $10.00 per name, per year
  • Cemetery stone abstracts: $3.00 per name
  • Obituary abstracts (complete from 1984 to present): $5.00 per name
  • Civil War information (known town or regiment): $5.00 per name
  • Civil War information (unknown town or regiment): $10.00 per name
  • Surrogate Court Records: $20.00 per name
  • County Histories (written in 1879 and 1893): $3.00 per name
  • Maps (1856, 1869, 1915 list land owners): $3.00 per town
  • Deeds: $5.00 each
  • Genealogies (on file): $5.00 per name
  • Marriage records (1908-1925 only): $5.00 per entry
  • Vital statistics (1847-1849): $3.00 per entry

Donations


Donations are always appreciated. You can mail to:

Cattaraugus County
Historical Museum & Research Library
P.O. Box 352
Machias, NY 14101

Request Form


Please use the Research Request Form for research requests.


Further Research Information


New York State began to record birth, marriage, and death certificates in 1880. Prior to that records were only kept for a three-year period from 1847-1849. Copies of those records are stored in our Library.

If you are looking for a birth, marriage or death certificate from about 1880 to present, (except for the marriage certificates that are housed in Cattaraugus County from 1908 to 1925), you need to go through the New York State Department of Vital Statistics. You can reach their web site by clicking here or write to them and obtain the forms at the following address:A

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12237-0023

Pictures of the Research Area


Our Archives have geneology and local history resources available for research and study.

Research LibraryResearch Tools that are availableOld Cattaraugus County Map