Genealogy Department Information

Web header photo that reads 'Genealogy Department'

Department Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 12pm to 4pm

If available, library staff can help outside of this range. Please call 315-785-7705 and speak with a member of the Circulation Desk.

Need help navigating the world of family history research? Let our experienced volunteers and library staff lend a hand! You can make requests in these ways:

  1. Using the Contact Us form. Please be as detailed as possible. Your request will be forwarded to the correct library personnel.
  2. Via email. Please include as much information as you can. This email will go directly to the Genealogy Department staff.
  3. Through the mail. Include your contact information and search details in your letter, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
       Genealogy Department
       c/o Flower Library
       229 Washington Street
       Watertown, NY 13601
  4. Via phone at 315-785-7711. This number rings directly into the Genealogy Department is is preferred for brief questions only.
All searches are free! There is a $0.20 per page copy fee, as well as a postage fee. You are welcome to include an email address in your correspondence for return communications.

Mission Statement:

  1. Aid and assist the general public in genealogical and historical research with a focus on Jefferson County NY, and the adjacent counties of Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, and the province of Ontario.
  2. Collect and preserve genealogical and historical information in any and all possible formats.
  3. Maintain a genealogy and local history collection.