The purpose of the Orange County Genealogical Society is to encourage genealogical research by educating the public about the study of genealogical records. We also collect and preserve family and genealogical records and papers pertaining to, but not limited to, the past and present inhabitants of Orange County.

The Orange County Genealogical Society was formed in 1971 with a great deal of assistance from then Orange County Historian, Donald Clark. We have evolved from a handful of dedicated local people to a membership covering most States and several Countries.

Our first newsletter was three pages. We now produce a twelve page quarterly publication that we also exchange with many societies and libraries. Bible records, obituaries, and family information, submitted by our members are a big part of our quarterlies.

We have been instrumental in getting many area towns to establish a cemetery law, to prevent the destruction and desecration of our ancestors’ sacred burial grounds.

Due to the dedication of a wonderful group of active volunteers we have one of the greatest research facilities in the area, many items available nowhere else in the world. We have an area of our facility devoted to each of the Towns in Orange County. Our volunteers are constantly looking for ways to make more information accessible to anyone researching Orange County ancestors. We transcribe, index, compile, and sometimes publish items of interest. A very dedicated group of people prepared a bibliography of our holdings; a powerful undertaking which facilitates research.

One volunteer has published, for the society, six volumes of Genealogical History of Black Families of Orange County. A husband-and-wife team transcribed Vital Records from 1847-1849. Another volunteer prepared a Master Surname Index to many of our holdings. Other volunteers have contributed in many ways too numerous to include here.
Our holdings have increased substantially with the donations of the Elmire Conklin Collection (over 400 books) and extensive research in family folders and binders. Also, donation of a large portion of Joseph Lieby’s Collection (over 200 books). On a smaller scale but significant are holdings of the late Ben Coleman and the late Bruce Crandall.

OCGS also hosts a discussion group on Groups.io at OCGSNY, for topics related to people and places in and around Orange County, NY.

To join – go to: OCGSNY@groups.io

We also have a presence on FaceBook at: Orange County New York Genealogical Society  with a growing membership.

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