As strange as it may sound to those of us who don't have an interest in geneology, those who do have that interest enjoy touring cemeteries. Some are just looking for famous figures who may have been long forgotten, some are researching eras, some are researching their lineage. Whatever the reason, New York has many cemeteries that offer information and artistic, beautiful stones and statues.

The Green Wood Cemetery is an 'outdoor museum' located on 25th Street in Brooklyn, New York. Public tours are available all year for $10 or you can be your own guide and miss the stories the tour guides have to offer. Exploration brings to light the graves of national figures.

The Flushing Cemetery is another with sights to behold. Located in 46th Avenue and 164th Street, it was built in 1853. Mount Zion Cemetery is at Maurice and 54th Avenue, also established in the 1800s. Drake Cemetery is one of the smallest. Ferris Cemetery is on Commerce Avenue.

Queens has quite a few small cemeteries that go way back to the 1700s. Those such as St. George, Lawrence, Remsen, Pullis, Old Springfield, Bunn grace the area. Its Prospect Cemetery goes back to 1668. Then there's the forgotten cemeteries of Staten Island, which holds famous names like Ichabod Crane (yes, he was real).

If you're interested in more advanced research during your vacation, you can request a Death Record from the New York City Municipal Archive.

On a lighter note, there are many historical sites in New York City. Places such as the Federal Hall, built in 1842, and Gracie Mansion grace the city with their designer elegance of yore. Gracie Mansion is on East 88th Street and East End Avenue. You can take tours on Wednesdays at four different times of the day. The cost is $7 for adults. It was built in 1799, used as a home before being converted to a concession stand and restrooms, and then became a historic museum.

Other historical interests of the city include Ellis Island, the World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Chelsea Hotel, Belvedere Castle, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, the Algonquin Hotel, Mariner's Temple Baptist Church, and the Hamilton Grange National Memorial. You may also want to view the General Post Office, which is also a historical building. Children enjoy the Alice in Wonderland Statue (she's been around a long time).

Libraries are a great place to find geographical and historical information. New York libraries are sights to behold! The New York Public Library is a one of the best places to start learning about New York history or any other historical interest. It's located at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. The library offers building tours by appointment. There are three branches of this particular library and several others in the city. Public libraries are free to the public and can have interesting events during the summer to delight you and your children. There are concerts, art exhibitions, children's story times, and poetry reading to name a few.

Besides libraries and cemeteries, there are plenty of beautiful historic houses to delight city visitors. Guided walking tours are often obtained for free, or you can just amble around at your own pace. Remember your map!