Local History & Genealogy

• The local history resources at the Riverfront Library include books on Yonkers and Westchester history, maps, dissertations, high school yearbooks, Yonkers city directories, a clippings file, and the microfilmed back-file of various Yonkers newspapers. Chronological gaps exist in these holdings. The Library owns no vital records.
• Materials are stored in the Local History Room, located on the third floor of the Riverfront Library; items must be consulted on-site in the library and cannot be checked out. 
• Please contact the Riverfront Reference Department with questions regarding local history. Dial 914-375-7966, or email localhistory@ypl.org for more information, or to make a research appointment. The Local History Room is not accessible to the public.
• City Directories available at Riverfront Library
• Yearbooks available at Riverfront Library
• City and County Code books
• Local Newspapers available on microfilm in the library

State-of-the-art audio equipment available for patrons to record an oral history, conduct an interview, create a podcast or scan historic photographs. Visit page or contact Mike Walsh at mwalsh@ypl.org for more information.

The Yonkers Historical Society, with early incarnations dating back as early as 1877, is dedicated to preserving the rich and deep history of the City of Yonkers. The office, located in Grinton I. Will Library is open Thursdays, 12- 4 pm. The Yonkers Historical Society also operates the historic Sherwood House Museum, one of the oldest buildings in Westchester County and a National Historic landmark, located on Tuckahoe Road (open seasonally).  914-961-8940 (Call on Thursdays or leave a message.) Email:  info@yonkershistoricalsociety.org

• Local Newspapers available on microfilm in the library