Discover the People, Places, and Stories That Shaped Our Region
This curated collection brings together documents, maps, biographies, databases, and historical accounts from across Chautauqua County. Whether you’re researching your family tree, diving into local lore, or studying our geologic past, this hub offers rich and reliable resources to explore our county's story.
🧭 Historical Overviews & Primary Sources
Wayne Leamer’s Extraction from Spencer’s Roster
A collection of names from Chautauqua County residents as featured in Alfred Spencer’s historical register.
View Resource »1808 Session Law Creating Chautauqua County
The legislative act that officially established Chautauqua County.
Read Document »Chautauqua Meaning and Origin
An in-depth explanation of the meaning and cultural origins behind the county’s name.
Learn More »Lafayette Reading List
Suggested readings about Lafayette’s 1824–25 visit to America, including his ties to Chautauqua County.
Explore List »
🧬 Indigenous & Prehistoric History
The Erie Indians: Myth and Fact
Charles Kolb’s essential article on the Erie people, Chautauqua’s last known pre-contact inhabitants.
Read Article »Chautauqua County Geology
A billion-year journey through the land’s geological evolution, with downloadable field guides from NYSGA.
🧑🤝🧑 People & Communities
Bicentennial Biographies
A celebratory publication highlighting notable residents across the county’s 200-year history.
View PDF »Jamestown Swedes
A community-driven site documenting Swedish heritage and immigration to Jamestown.
Visit Site »Douglas H. Shepard Collection
A legacy archive of one of the county's most respected researchers.
Explore Collection »Lois and Norwood Barris
Dedicated historical work by this local couple, preserved for public access.
Learn More »
🚂 Transportation & Infrastructure
Trolley 98 Restoration Project
Follow the revival of a historic Jamestown streetcar and its place in local transportation history.
Visit Site »Historical County Structure Database
Interactive map and data showing how the county’s built environment evolved over time.
Explore Database »Things to Notice in an Old Building
A guide to reading the history written into Chautauqua’s architecture.
Read More »
✊ Abolition & Civil Rights
Underground Railroad in Chautauqua County
Discover our local ties to the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery resistance.
Explore Site »Anti-Slavery Activists Map
An interactive map showcasing local abolitionists and safe houses.
View Map »
🏛️ Records & Genealogy
Vital Records Index (WNYGS)
Births, deaths, marriages, and more—vital statistics for family history research.
Search Index »Church Records
Browse historical church registers maintained in the county’s archives.
View Records »Cemetery Directory
Explore county burial records by cemetery.
Search Directory »Libraries
Find local libraries and historical archives throughout the region.
Browse Libraries »Chautauqua GenWeb Project
Grassroots genealogical work covering local records and family histories.
Visit GenWeb »
🗺️ Places of Interest
Historical Markers Map
Discover where key events happened through this database of state and local markers.
View Map »Museums & Local Historical Societies
A guide to places that preserve and promote Chautauqua’s heritage.
Explore »
🎥 Media & Exhibits
Video Library
Watch recorded lectures, interviews, and mini-documentaries on county history.
Browse Videos »WWI Exhibit – NYS Archives
A look at how Chautauqua County contributed to the Great War.
View Exhibit »
🔍 External Collaborations
Western New York Historian Project
Part of a broader effort to document county historians and local archives in WNY.
Explore Project »
