History

Genesee County History Department

Mission

The Genesee County History Department is an educational institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, research, interpretation, and promotion of archival materials relating to the County.

The department provides protection and systematic control for records created by local government. Records Management ensures the legal disposition of obsolete records, identifies and preserves archival materials, provides efficient storage, and makes records available when needed.

The goal of the department is to ensure that records are properly administered and accessible to local government officials, citizens, and researchers.

Services

Assistance and research for requests
Public speaking in county schools and organizations
Tours of the department and the Records Center
Referrals to historical agencies and New York State historians
Assistance with records storage and preservation

Staff

Michael J. Eula, Ph.D. — County Historian and Records Management Officer
Judy Stiles — History Department Research Assistant
Ruth Koch — Records Management Clerk

Atlases and Maps

Includes the inventory of atlases and maps within the Genesee County History Department's collection. Due to the size and/or condition of these maps they are to be viewed in person during regular set hours.

Batavia Walking Tour

Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography of the Genesee County History Department collection.

Books For Sale

A list of books available for purchase at the Genesee County History Department.

Byron's 175th Anniversary

Byron Sesquicentennial 1820 - 1970

Church Records

A collection of Church Records at the Genesee County History Department

Claim For Payment

Overview of the "Claim for Payment" record series held by the Genesee County Archives. It includes specifics on the types of records, their historical context, arrangement, and restrictions on use.

County Home

The content documents the history, care, and administrative records of the Genesee County Home/Poorhouse, reflecting social welfare practices, facility development, and reforms from 1820 to 1975

County Home Collections and Archives

This comprehensive list details the contents of each document box (A through G) associated with the records of the Genesee County Home/Poorhouse, offering a detailed view of the types of documents and records stored within each.

History Census Report

History Stories

Differing historical stories of Genesee County, New York

Gazetteer and Biographical Record

Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, N.Y. 1788-1890

Genealogy Files and Collections

Detailed information and access to various genealogical collections are housed in the County Archives. Each collection contains historical documents, records, and personal papers related to specific families or individuals connected to Genesee County.

The Great Depression

The Great Depression and it's impact on Genesee County

The 60's and Early 70's in Genesee County

Genesee County Historians Association provided the funding for a AmeriCorps Member to work with the Genesee County History Department’s Volunteers to create an index of local articles from the Batavia Daily Newspaper.

Requesting Records

Forms and information about requesting records from the Genesee County History Department.

Research Links

Links the Genesee County Historian, Staff, Volunteers and Patrons use while conducting research. All of these sites are free to use.

Genesee County History

Provides a historical overview of Genesee County, detailing its earliest inhabitants, development through land tracts, agricultural importance, educational advancements, industrial growth, and recreational opportunities.

Indentured Servants Record

Detailed information about the Indentured Servants record series

Mandated Services

Mandated Services of the Genesee County History Department

Marriage Records

Comprehensive information about Official Marriage Records

Military Records

Military Records Collection of the Genesee County History Department and Research Library.

Naturalization Records

A detailed overview of the naturalization records available at the Genesee County History Department.

Newspaper Indexes

Obituary Records

School Documents and Yearbooks

Historical information index of yearbooks and school files housed at the History Department

Slavery

Highlights two notable historical anecdotes from the "Pioneer History of the Holland Purchase" by O. Turner. These excerpts shed light on the early settler life and some of the complex social dynamics in the region.

Town Files

A categorized listing of the town files housed at the Genesee County History Department

Talks By The County Historian

Recent and forthcoming talks on a variety of topics by the County Historian.

2025 Program Budget

Collection Policy Statement

Genesee County Historians

Contact information and details about local historians.

Genesee County Prominent Citizens

Prominent citizens throughout the history of Genesee County. Organized by municipality.

County Cemeteries

A complete listing of cemeteries and burial sites compiled by Municipal Historians.

Annual Report

Census Records

A searchable listing of Census Records from the Genesee County History Department.

America 250 in Genesee County

Genesee County is participating in the national America 250 commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Contact

County Building 2 | 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020

Phone: (585)815-7904

Email: history@geneseeny.gov

Hours

Summer Hours: Monday - Friday | 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 & 1:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Other Hours: Monday - Friday | 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 & 1:00 - 4:30

Closed for noon lunch hour & on legal holidays