Torosian Genealogy, LLC

06/17/2026

Civil War Pension files are a wonderful resource for researching your ancestors who fought in that war. I loved this response, by a 70 year old veteran, who was applying for a disability pension in 1915 regarding the status of his marriage.
Question: Are you now living with your wife, or has there been a separation?
Answer: staying right along, happy as clams at high tide
When a simple yes or no answer would have sufficed, this veteran wrote a little more and gave us a little insight into their marriage. How sweet!

06/12/2026

As Knicks fever sweeps New York, it made me wonder what our basketball playing ancestors would think? Would they love it? Would they recognize it? Either way, let's go Knicks!
(Photo from my personal archives)

06/05/2026

Last night was prom night in our house, so it seems appropriate to share this vintage photo of my uncle and his future wife. Isn’t her dress dreamy!?! Her mom made it! Happy prom season!

05/28/2026

Empire State Exploration: Mohawk Valley (July 20–22, 2026 | Online via Zoom)

Don't miss out on this essential 3-day online program, held live, for researching your New York ancestors in the Mohawk Valley region, including Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie counties. Consultants are Jenny Rizzo Irwin and Michelle Dowd Torosian.

Take advantage of early registration discounts by June 8, 2026, and save $70. Learn more and register: https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/events/empire-state-exploration-mohawk-valley

05/22/2026

It’s not an exaggeration to say that I would not be a professional genealogist today if it hadn’t been for my grandfather. I’m thinking of him on what would have been his 100th birthday, a day that also marks the day his mother died just a few hours after his birth. From a toddler in a sailor suit to an electricians mate in the Navy during World War II, he came back from war to marry, work as an electrical linesman in the local utility, raise four children, volunteer as a fireman and have fun with his five grandkids. He died too young at sixty-five, after decades of smoking took its toll. Happy Birthday, PopPop.

05/08/2026

I’m so honored to have been asked to serve a second term on the Board of Trustees for the Westchester County Historical Society. Looking forward to seeing some friends and colleagues at this special event.

It’s not too late to register for this year's 250th Anniversary Luncheon and 152nd Annual Meeting! But please don’t wait—seats are filling up. Secure yours today by sending in the mailed form or filling out the online form. We hope to see you May 31st!

https://westchesterhistory.com/152nd-annual-meeting/

05/06/2026

I'm giving an Intro to Genealogy presentation at the same women's club where we held our wedding reception. I couldn't resist replacing my usual headshot in my last slide for a flashback to the same location!

03/16/2026

Adding to my collection of local Trenton history books! With some Groveville thrown in for good measure.

03/03/2026

State borders didn't hinder our New York ancestors!

Join us for "Research in New Jersey" (June 23–25, 2026) and explore the New Jersey State Archives and the New Jersey State Library. On-site experts are Debbie Hadley and Michelle Dowd Torosian. Take advantage of early registration discounts by March 23, 2026, and save $100.

Learn more at https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/events/research-new-jersey

02/28/2026

Next Saturday, March 7th, I'll be presenting in Darien, Connecticut to the Middlesex Genealogical Society on Exploring Your Empire State Roots. Interested in attending? See details on their website.

The Middlesex Genealogical Society draws members from various towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, Redding, Fairfield. It is located in the town of Darien. Fairfield County, CT, is not far from New Y...