The Polish Genealogical Society of New York State has a long tradition of engaging with the broader community — bringing genealogy resources, Polish heritage, and a love of family history to events across Western New York. The events listed below reflect the kinds of community outreach PGSNYS has typically been involved in over the past few years. As a volunteer-driven organization, our event calendar remains fluid — some events may not take place every year, and new opportunities arise as our members’ interests and the needs of the community evolve.
We strive to be responsive to our members and the broader Polonia community, and we welcome your ideas! Whether you have a suggestion for a research-focused workshop, a cultural event, or even an informal social gathering, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at membership@pgsnys.org.
Want to help represent PGSNYS in the community? We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to staff our tables, greet visitors, assist with surname lookups, and share what PGSNYS has to offer. No experience needed — just a love of Polish heritage and community. Email membership@pgsnys.org to get involved.
Annual PGSNYS Research Day at the Grosvenor Room
Annual | March | Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central Library, Downtown Buffalo
In recent years, PGSNYS has initiated and hosted a hands-on research day at the Grosvenor Room — the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s Special Collections home for genealogy, local history, maps, music, and rare books — in collaboration with the library. The day typically includes a guided tour of the Grosvenor Room with a focus on Polish genealogy, a peek into the closed stacks, and a computer orientation covering the library’s digitized materials and subscription databases, including Ancestry.com and FamilySearch. Open research time follows.
Attendance is limited and registration is handled through the library’s website. The Central Library is also a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, meaning many restricted FamilySearch digital collections are viewable on-site. If you plan to research subscription databases or FamilySearch digital collections, bring a flash drive to take images home with you.
For details about the current year’s event, visit our Research Day at the Grosvenor Room event page.
Polish Genealogy & Polonia Fair
Annual | May | St. Stanislaus Adamski Social Center, Buffalo
Hosted by PGSNYS, the Polish Genealogy & Polonia Fair is a free, public event celebrating Polish heritage, family history, and community — no membership required to attend! The fair features free genealogy research assistance, surname lookups, family history displays by PGSNYS members, Polonia vendors, and cultural exhibits. A featured presentation by a guest speaker is typically part of the program as well.
Whether you’re just beginning your family history journey or building on years of research, this event offers a welcoming opportunity to learn, connect, and explore Polish heritage. PGSNYS members are also invited to volunteer or display their genealogical research.
For details about the current year’s fair, visit our Polish Genealogy & Polonia Fair event page.
Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival
Annual | Late July | Cheektowaga Town Park, 2600 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, NY
Each summer, PGSNYS tables at the beloved Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival — a free, family-friendly, three-day celebration of Polish culture featuring live music, authentic Polish food and beverages, folk dance performances, cultural exhibits, crafts, and more. Stop by our table to meet PGSNYS members, get help with surname lookups and research questions, and learn about all that our Society has to offer.
For details about the current year’s festival, visit our Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival event page.
Genealogy Fair at St. Gabriel’s
Annual | September | St. Gabriel’s Parish Hall, 5271 Clinton St., Elma, NY
PGSNYS hosts an annual genealogy fair at St. Gabriel’s Parish, bringing together representatives from PGSNYS and other local genealogy and history organizations to share methods and resources for discovering your family history. Refreshments are served. All are welcome!
For details about the current year’s fair, visit our Genealogy Fair at St. Gabriel’s event page.
All Souls’ Mass & Polish Ancestors’ Day
Annual | November | Resurrection Mausoleum, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 700 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY
In Polish culture, All Souls’ Day — known as Zaduszki — is a solemn occasion to remember and pray for departed loved ones. PGSNYS helps plan this annual observance in collaboration with other local Polish organizations. On the day, PGSNYS volunteers are on hand to provide genealogy research assistance. The event typically includes cemetery tours, a special Mass celebrated at the mausoleum, and candles available for purchase.
If you plan to attend, consider bringing your funerary prayer cards (obrazki) to contribute to our digitization project.
For details about the current year’s event, visit our All Souls’ Mass & Polish Ancestors’ Day event page.