At Least Some New York Images No Longer Available

KeriLogan

I posted this in the New York community, but have not received any answers. Therefore, I thought it might be a more general FamilySearch question.

I have been compiling a list of ancestors in the New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949 database. I planned to retrieve the images when my local FHC opened again. I have gotten images from this database before. Now, I have noticed these records says No Image Available (or Image Unavailable, depending on where you are looking) rather than Images Available. (e.g., this is one record that used to say Image Available at FHC https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2W53-DLS)

This also seems to be affecting "New York, New York City, Police Census, 1890," (and maybe other NY databases?? I haven't checked everything). This record says No Images, but it had said the images were available at an FHC: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q24W-VK79

What is the reason for this change? Does this mean the images wouldn't be available even if I was in Salt Lake City? I know the records can be ordered from New York Municipal Archives, and I have sent requests for direct-line ancestors, but from what I hear, it takes a long, long time. I haven't received any of my requests yet.

Thank you for any information.

Paul W

I just checked the Catalog, using the links you have provided to obtain / search on the relevant film numbers. From my home, using a public account, the message I get is:

"Images Available

• To view these images do one of the following:Access the site at a family history center."

I would take this to mean you will be able to view these films again once your local FHC is reopened.

On the messages you have received earlier, similar misleading messages do appear from time to time when you try to access a film or ascertain its status. Check again yourself to see if the message now shows in the same way as above.

KeriLogan

Thank you for your response @Paul W

It's so strange that you are seeing Images Available because I am not getting that message.

When I click directly on the links that I provided, they both say "Image Unavailable."

If I go to the person first, and then check their sources, it says "No Image Available."

I am logged in to my account. Might you have an idea why I don't see what you see?

Paul W

@KeriLogan

In a sense, the statement of there being "No image available" is true, in both cases. Where there is no link available directly from the record itself, I believe you are always given this message. In which case, one always needs to refer to the Document Information, copy the film number, then paste it in to that field in the Catalog section. Yes, this can be a bit misleading, so I'd always check in the Catalog section before accepting this statement as being completely "true"! In this case, you only have access at a FHC, it appears - although if you are an LDS Church member you might have access from home. Try to view from via the film (e.g. 007676677) whilst in the Catalog section.

(1) Enter Film Number, then click of Police census, 1890

(2) Scroll down next page and click on camera icon against film number where the image appears

(3) In this example, there appears to be restricted access, so the digitized film can only be viewed at a Family History Center.

Paul W

The screenshots have disappeared for now - hopefully, just for moderation. If they do not appear later I will provide URLs.

KeriLogan

Thank you so much for that explanation!

I am glad to know that there is another way to check for images. In the past, that box in your screenshot "Images Available: To view these images..." had been the one I saw on the individual record. The fact that the record didn't show that anymore really threw me. I liked it when that message was on the record because then I didn't need to take the extra steps you have described. Nevertheless, I am glad it is still possible to figure out if the records are at a FHC or, I presume, at an affiliate. And I am especially glad that the records I wanted are still available at an nearby FHC when it reopens.