Below are links to a variety of resources about Lancaster, NY that may be helpful in your research. These publications were not produced by, nor are maintained by the Lancaster Historical Society.
Books
Glass: Lancaster and Lockport New York (1971)
History of glass making in Lancaster, NY, as well as details and photographs of the glass produced by Lancaster Glass Works.
History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County with Illustrations (1884)
This early history of Lancaster is described on pages 452 – 456.
Lancaster Centennial History (1949)
Includes historical information from Lancaster’s first 100 years.
Our County and Its People (1898)
The early history of Lancaster is described on pages 569 – 576.
Scott Aviation Catalogs and Manuals (1944 – 1955)
A variety of catalogs, manuals, brochure, postcards, and other publications by the Scott Aviation.
Documents
Historic and Architectural Resources of the Village of Lancaster, Erie County, New York (1999)
This document encompasses historical contexts around the initial settlement and early development of the village of Lancaster (1807-1849), and the socioeconomic growth and maturity of the village of Lancaster (1850-1948).
Indigenous People of Western New York (2018) Provides information and history on the Haudenosaunee people. Includes a summary of the key events that molded the Indigenous communities of Western New York, maps, information on belief systems and cultural values, and more.
Lancaster High School Football (2013)
Describes the history of the Lancaster High School football team. It includes photos, awards, records, and team rosters from 1919 – 2013.
Lancaster Old Home Week and WNY Fireman’s Convention (1913)
The official program and souvenir from the Lancaster Old Home Week that took place on July 27 – August 2, 1913. It includes old photographs as well as a listing of events.
Maps and Illustrations
Bowmansville [village]; Lancaster [Township] (1866)
East Part of Lancaster [Village] (1880)
Lancaster (1909)
Lancaster and Alden – Town Line, Alden – Mill Grover (1938)
Lancaster – Bowmansville and East Lancaster (1938)
Lancaster NY Aerial View (1892)
Lancaster [Town] (1909)
Lancaster [Town] (1938)
Lancaster [Township] (1880)
Lancaster [Village]; Lancaster Business Directory (1866)
West Part of Lancaster [Village]; Town Line [Village] (1880)
Willow Dale Observatory (1880)
National Register of Historic Places
Broadway Historic District (2014)
This document includes architectural and historical information on several properties located on Broadway Street. It also mentions some of the most notable businesses and people within the district, and includes photos and historical maps.
Bruce-Briggs Brick Block (1999)
Central Ave Historic District (2014)
This document includes architectural and historical information on several properties on Central Ave, West Main St., and our museum on Clark St. It also mentions some of the most notable businesses and people within the district, and includes photos and historical maps.
Clark-Lester House (1999)
Depew Lodge No. 823, Free & Accepted Masons (1999)
Dr. John J. Nowak House (1999)
Herman B. VanPeyma (1999)
John P. Sommers House (2012)
John Richardson House (1999)
Lancaster District School No.6 (2008)
This document includes architectural and historical information on the historic schoolhouse located at the corner of Bowen and William street. It also includes photos of the interior and exterior of the schoolhouse, as well as images of maps.
Lancaster Municipal Building (1999)
Liebler-Rohl Gasoline Station (1999)
Miller-Mackey House (1999)
U.S. Post Office – Depew (1988)
U.S. Post Office – Lancaster (1989)
Warren Hull House (1992)
Zuidema-Idsardi House (1999)
Online Communities
Lancaster New York History and Genealogy Facebook Page
This group is a companion to the WikiTree below. It’s also a place to share family and local history with one another.
Lancaster New York WikiTree
The one place of study for Lancaster New York, this website features several pages on Lancaster NY history. It’s a collaborative effort to tie together not just the people who have lived in the town, but the complete history of the town.
Newspapers
Search the Lancaster NY Enterprise through Fulton Search (1895 – 1966)
Search the Lancaster NY Times through Fulton Search (1878 – 1902)