Family History Library Microfilm

As an affiliate library of the Church of Latter-Day Saints’ Family History Library in Salt Lake City, the Center has more than 2,000 of their microfilms and microfiches on long-term loan. These materials predominantly contain vital records from Jewish communities worldwide, with a focus on Eastern and Central Europe.  Please visit the JGSNY websitefor a complete list of the Family History Library microfilms and microfiches available at the Center.

You may come in to view Family History Library microfilms any time the Genealogy Institute is open. Please read our microfilm/microfiche reader reservation policy prior to your coming and then reserve a microfilm reader at microfilm.cjh.org. If you have any questions, please call (917) 606-8217.  When you arrive, please notify a staff member that you are here to view microfilm from the Family History Library.


ALERT: In an effort to focus its priorities on providing digital access to the world's genealogical records, the Family History Library suspended their microfilm loan service on September 8, 2017. At the same time, the Family History Library has granted affiliate libraries, including the Center for Jewish History, access to approximately 25 percent of the 1.5+ million rolls of microfilms already converted to digital images.

What does this mean for Family History Library microfilm users at the Center for Jewish History?

  1. All microfilms that are already on extended loan at the Center will remain at the Center indefinitely. The Center will do its best to maintain these microfilms for on-site research until the Family History Library completes digitization of their entire microfilm collection. Please note that these microfilms are the property of the Family History Library and can be recalled on short notice at any time.

  2. Digitized microfilms that are denoted as accessible at a “FamilySearch affiliate library” can be viewed online at the Center any time the Genealogy Institute is open. Please note that digitized microfilms that are designated as accessible only at Family History Centers cannot be viewed at the Center for Jewish History. The nearest Family History Center is located at 125 Columbus Avenue, 1st Floor.

Microfilm/Microfiche Readers Policy

  1. User who wishes to use a microfilm/microfiche Reader must reserve a machine at least one day in advance.

  2. Microfilm/microfiche Reader‘s usage is limited to 3 hours per day for NY users (extended usage for NY users will be granted upon availability), and unlimited for out of NY State and international users whose materials are available only on microfilms.

  3. Microfilm/microfiche user who takes a break should not leave the microfilm at the machine, and any other user can use the machine while he/she is away.

  4. RR Staff cannot guarantee Microfilm/microfiche Reader for those who did not reserve one in advance.