Go to the Pros for Family History

Here's one place that you can get invaluable help in researching your NYC History. This is the Queens Family History Center, located in Woodside, just 2 blocks from the 7 train and the LIRR. Like all Family History Centers, it's affiliated with the gigantic LDS (Mormon) Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and you can order microfilms from Salt Lake for a small fee. But more than that, the FHC is a friendly, supportive place, staffed by eager volunteers. You'd much rather do your research there than at the Municipal Archives; believe me (the last time I visited the latter they didn't even have a men's room key!) Besides renting films from Salt Lake, you can use a variety of online resources and consult a small library of how-to books. Everything is completely free, except for the rentals, which are about $5.75 per microfilm.

Now, I know what you're thinking: A bunch of guys in white shirts and dark ties are going to start preaching at me. NO!! Trust me on that one; proselytizing is not allowed in any FHC, and they really keep to their word. Most of the volunteers are not missionaries, anyhow, but amateur genealogists, just like you, except typically better. The Latter Day Saints Church has the best in the business. Use 'em.