Name: New York State
Archives
Address: 222 Madison
Ave, Albany, NY 12230 11th Floor
Phone: (518) 474-8955
Website: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/
Parking: This will take you to
a map and information on parking near the library. I have had good luck with
the Cathedral parking lot whenever I have visited the library.
Hours:
Monday
- Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
Situated in the
state’s capital, the New York State Archives is simply put, the archives for
the entire state. It is situated in downtown Albany, a couple blocks from the
state capital and at the southern end of the Empire State Plaza Convention
Center. The building also contains the New York State Library and the New York
State Museum.
Monday through
Saturday, the doors to the building open at 9:30 in the morning. Upon entering,
you are in a large room with information and guard counters as well as kiosks
with information about Albany including bus schedules. At first it can be
confusing as archways lead off in all directions. If you have time, feel free
to explore through these arches—they are parts the New York State Museum which
is free admission. In the northeast corner is the museum gift shop, which among
other items, sells many books about the history and culture of the state.
Walking towards the
back, you will see a desk for the security guards of the building. On either
side of their area are banks of elevators. Turn towards the right and you will
see these are marked with the various public floors. The Archives are on the 11th
floor.
Does this information
sound familiar? It should, the above was taken almost word for word from my
previously write-up of the New York State Library and for very good reason.
Although two different places, they are in the same building and take up much
of the same space.
The archives have
many restrictions,
but don’t fear. They are also very happy to guide you through what you need.
The registration process is very quick and simple; just make sure you have an
official picture identification with you- probably your driver’s license. Once
you register, you’re good for the year. There
are lockers available to stow any of your stuff that you have along and can’t
take in with you. The pictures on this post were taken in the archives with
just one stipulation- I was not allowed to take any pictures of people.
Luckily, it was just about noon and not many people were working there at the
time!
Once you are
registered, you will be assigned a table in the archives. Shortly, the items
that you requested will be brought out to you. On my most recent trip, I had so
many items I was looking for in the library, that I did not plan any time to
use the archives. However, in the past I have looked at various manuscripts
that people have prepared about families that I am interested in. Some were
family trees, and some were letters and such.
This past December, I
had the opportunity to look through a bound atlas of maps of the Wallumschack
Patent along the upper Hudson River coming out of the 16 January 1791 deed of
partition. These were not the original maps. But rather it is, a late 19th
century copy of them. The maps show the lines and divisions of lots in what is
now Washington County and across the border in Vermont. Not much information
found, except there is that detail of Lot 12. What is that name just north of
where Little White Creek runs through? Why, yes it does say “Seth Chase.” Seth,
better known in my research as “grandpa times 5,” was a Loyalist at one time,
but remained after the Revolution. He ran a tavern somewhere in present day
Washington County both before, during and after the Revolution. Did I say
somewhere? I think that house symbol in the corner of the property might give a
clue. Comparing this map with a present day, we can tell almost exactly where
that tavern stood!
Of course, not
everyone can find a direct ancestor listed on a map, but you never know what
you might find that is either direct or indirect information about your New
York ancestors if you explore the archives
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