Monthly Archives: February 2011

Celebrating the life of Manny Fried, Local Activist and Artist

Posted on February 26, 2011 by

Emanuel “Manny” Fried, renowned Buffalo actor, playwright, labor leader, and social activist, died yesterday at 97.  Investigated during the McCarthy era due to his work as a union organizer, he was once labeled “the most dangerous man in Western New … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy

Buffalo’s Historical Hollywood Connections

Posted on February 24, 2011 by

  With the Academy Awards airing this Sunday, there is alot of Oscar buzz.  Take a break from today’s award news and read about some of Buffalo’s historical Hollywood figures! Lucille “Babe” Brown Barlow (abt. 1918 – 1992) was a child actor.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Local History | Tagged , ,

HeritageQuest Online Tutorials Now Available

Posted on February 22, 2011 by

The Grosvenor Room Database web page now includes online tutorials for HeritageQuest Online.  They are designed for the beginner, but previous users should also find useful tips. Tutorials are available on the following topics: Search Census Records Browse Census Records Browse … Continue reading →

Posted in Databases, Genealogy | Tagged , , ,

New Music Scorebooks

Posted on February 19, 2011 by

Did you know that in addition to our Local History  & Genealogy Collections, the Grosvenor Room is also home to an incredible printed music collection?  We have a wide selection of sheet music, popular songbooks, and scores.   A large circulating browsable collection … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged

Lincoln Visit 150 Years Ago Today

Posted on February 16, 2011 by

Abraham Lincoln’s stop in Buffalo was one of several on his tour from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C.  to take his oath of office on March 4, 1861. His train’s arrival at the old Exchange Street depot was greeted by 12,000 people, … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy

Colgan Air/Continental Flight 3407 Two Years Later

Posted on February 13, 2011 by

On February 12, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. Colgan Air Flight 3407 departed late from Newark’s Liberty International Airport en route to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. At around 10:17 p.m. the plane stalled about five miles from its destination and crashed into a home … Continue reading →

Posted in Local History

Celebrating African American History

Posted on February 11, 2011 by

In 1926 American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week in order to commemorate and honor the contributions to our nation made by African-Americans.  For many years, it was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with … Continue reading →

Posted in Grosvenor Guides, Local History | Tagged ,

Tips for Successful Armchair Genealogy

Posted on February 8, 2011 by

What is Armchair Genealogy? Armchair genealogy is long distance genealogy. Why Armchair Genealogy? The ideal in genealogy research is to visit a research center yourself.  An in-person visit will allow you to see the scope of materials available, and let … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy | Tagged , ,

African-American Research Databases

Posted on February 5, 2011 by

Freedman’s Bank Records Available in HeritageQuest Online.  For use at any library or from home with a valid Buffalo & Erie County Public Library card number. The Freedman’s Bank (also known as The Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company) was set … Continue reading →

Posted in Databases, Genealogy | Tagged , , , ,

Tips on Tracing Family Lines that Include Enslaved Ancestors

Posted on February 2, 2011 by

1. Interview ancestors. Collect and analyze family stories. 2. Obtain vital records. 3. Research in census records beginning with the most recent available.  Look through 3-4 pages before and after your ancestors, and note families with the same last name … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, Local History | Tagged , ,