1999 - 2000 Events

   For the last three months, our Vice President, Diane Stigler planned and put together our trip to the New York State Archives and State Library in Albany, NY and the National Archives in Massachusetts.  A handbook of Albany and Pittsfield resources was given to members at our local orientation meeting in March.  Sixteen members of this society went on this trip.  We spent one day at the State Library and Archives and one day at the National Archives in Pittsfield, MA, which is only a 45 minute drive from Albany.
   We arrived on Sunday, April 16 at our hotel. Some car pooled and others drove independently.   Maps distributed, prior to leaving, gave everyone good instructions on how to get to the hotel, which is right off the New York State Thruway.
   We were up bright and early Monday morning to catch the public bus system located about 2 miles from our hotel.  This was great so no one had to drive in downtown rush hour traffic or try to locate a parking lot which charged parking fees. The bus stopped in front of the State Archives entrance; what could be better!   The State Archives and the New York State Library are located in the same building, on the 11th floor and the library on the 7th floor.  The archives contain birth, marriage, and military records. The library contains many genealogy holdings such as census records, DAR records, and information regarding townships within New York State, etc.
   Once inside, we were given an orientation of the records found within the archives and how to use these resources.  We than moved down to the Library for an orientation of their holdings and a tour.  Once this was complete, we were on our own to begin research.
   The day flew by and the next thing everyone knew it was time to leave.  Many thanks for the return bus ride as it was raining and it gave us some time to unwind after a long day of searching.  Everyone went out to dinner, except for three hardy soles who went to the Albany Public library to do more research.  Before dinner, a group picture was taken which is shown below.
   Tuesday morning, some of the group people slept in as they were going to the National Archives in Pittsfield, and others returned to the State Archives and Library.  Those people who went to the National Archives were given a brief orientation of their holdings and then spent the rest of the day researching.  Everyone returned home Tuesday evening.
   Many thanks to the personnel from the Archives, The Library, and Capitol District Genealogical Society who gave their time to brief us on their holdings, the tours, and helping us with our research.  A huge thank you to Diane Stigler and the people who helped her put this trip together.  The handbooks were a tremendous help in locating the hotel and doing our research once we were at the facilities.

 

Nancy Wormuth  Peg Rector  Rosalie Munson  Gene Rogers  Judy Mulhausen   Sue Winslow(Hidden)  Kathy Stoddard  June Herman  Ruth Barry  Jane Wolfe   Leigh Jones  Gil Smith  Maxine Newman  Lanah Dewitt  Diane Stigler   Paul Milhausen(Not Pictured)