FAQ

What is the Wyckoff Family In America?

The Wyckoff Family In America is the official genealogical record of the descendants of Pieter Claesen Wyckoff and Grietje Van Ness. First published in 1934, the Wyckoff Family In America has grown into a comprehensive database with over 65,000 documented family members spanning 18 generations.

Who is included in the Wyckoff Family In America?

The Wyckoff Family In America includes the descendants of Pieter Claesen Wyckoff, a Dutch immigrant who arrived in New Netherland (now New York) in the 1600s. He settled in Flatlands, Long Island, and became a prominent figure in the early colony. Over the centuries, his descendants have spread across the United States, forming one of the oldest and most thoroughly documented Dutch-American lineages.

How do descendants get added?

By you! If you would like to have your family line included in the Wyckoff Family In America, you can submit your lineage information through our official update form, which will be answered by volunteer genealogists. We welcome new submissions and updates to existing lines to keep the record accurate and growing.

Do you offer copies of the WFiA for purchase?

Yes! Copies of the Wyckoff Family In America are available for purchase. We offer both print and digital editions, depending on availability. Please visit our website or contact us directly for ordering information.

How often do you update the WFiA?

We aim to update the Wyckoff Family In America database as updates come in, and we typically publish a new electronic edition annually at the end of each year.

I’m a Wyckoff descendant. How do I get my updates to you?

You can submit your updates by filling out our official update form, available on our website. Be sure to include names, birth and death dates, locations, and any relevant documentation to help us verify and integrate your lineage.

Do you offer research on my family line?

As volunteer Family Genealogists, we do our best to assist with research inquiries. While we cannot provide professional genealogical services, we can help guide you to resources, review your lineage, and connect you with others researching similar branches.

I think I might be a descendant. How can you help me?

If you suspect you may be a Wyckoff descendant, we encourage you to explore our published records and reach out with any known family details. We can help you compare your lineage with existing entries and guide you through the process of verification and inclusion. To get started, request access to the latest edition of the Wyckoff Family In America or contact our genealogists for assistance.

When was the last print edition?

The most recent print edition of the Wyckoff Family In America was published in 1980, spanning two volumes.

Do you require proof or supporting documentation when submitting updates?

No. Since the first WFiA was published in 1934, all updates have been self-reported.

Are there any plans to change that policy to make the WFiA more accurate and authoritative?

With tens of thousands of entries in the WFiA, it would be nearly impossible to retroactively verify every record. While we strive for accuracy, our focus remains on accessibility and community participation. We encourage contributors to provide as much detail and documentation as possible to strengthen the overall reliability of the database.

Can the WFiA be used as proof for other genealogical purposes, like Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution?

Unfortunately, because all updates are self-reported, the WFiA cannot be used as a definitive or authoritative source for legal or procedural purposes. However, it serves as a highly accurate guide that can help you identify and locate the documentation needed to prove your ancestry.

When submitting updates, what information do you typically want?

We ask that you include full names, birth and death dates, locations, and any relevant notes or documentation. The more complete your submission, the easier it is for us to verify and integrate your lineage into the WFiA.

How do you handle adoptions?

Just like you, we consider adopted children part of the Wyckoff family! When submitting information, simply note that the individual is adopted in the comments section of their record. This helps us maintain clarity while honoring all family connections section for their record.

What details do you publish on living family members? 

We publish only limited information on living individuals to protect privacy. Typically, this includes full name, birth year, and relationship to other family members. We do not publish addresses, contact information, or sensitive personal data. 

Why should I submit details on living family members?

Including living family members helps preserve the continuity of the Wyckoff lineage and ensures future generations can trace their ancestry accurately. Adding your details now, though not published in electronic WFiA editions, will help our future generations accurate identify their great great ancestor… you!

What is a GEDCOM file?

A GEDCOM file is a standardized computer file format used to exchange genealogical data between different genealogy software programs. GEDCOM files store information such as family relationships, names, dates, and places, making it easier for researchers and family historians to share and organize their family trees across various platforms.