How to Trace Your New York & American Roots

A Free Step-by-Step Guide

Millions of Americans have ancestors who came through Ellis Island. Their records are still here, though some have moved: this guide shows where each one is kept today and how to find it, step by step, from the passenger list to the naturalization papers.

Inside the guide: the archives, record types and search order to follow, plus a short list of the key record websites. Free, printable PDF.

What’s inside

• Step 1: Start With What You Know
• Step 2: Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty Records
• Step 3: NYC Municipal Archives
• Step 4: New York State Census (1825–1925)
• Step 5: Federal Census 1790–1950
• Step 6: Naturalization Records
• Step 7: Community & Ethnic Records
• Step 8: DNA Testing
• Step 9: Planning a Heritage Trip to New York
• Resources at a Glance