Research & Archive
Whether you are a seasoned researcher or embarking on a new history project, our extensive library holds volumes on Columbia County history and genealogy.
The Barbara P. Rielly Memorial Library at the CCHS Museum, 5 Albany Avenue, is dedicated to the ongoing education of residents and visitors on topics related to the history and culture of Columbia County. Our archive is the largest repository of its kind in the county, and contains documents from the 17th through the 20th century.
The library is currently open by appointment only. Below, learn more about what you can research and how to make an appointment.
Genealogy Resources & Archive
Researchers can trace family history in Columbia County. Genealogy research materials at the library include:
- Family surname files for more than 1,500 surnames. These may contain correspondence with researchers, newspaper clippings, family group sheets and other miscellaneous information.
- Index to deaths, marriages and a few births from county newspapers c.1800–1930. This contains about 37,200 names, although not all extant newspapers are covered, and the specific newspaper is not always indicated.
- Copies of over 200 family genealogies, both published and unpublished.
- Transcriptions of records from more than 75 churches.
- Transcriptions of more than 200 cemetery records.
- Published reference books on local and family history. These include:
- Early county wills
- Ship passenger lists
- City and county directories
- Dutch families
- Palatine families
- Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and World War II veterans
- Town and community histories
- Federal census indices for 1790–1830, 1870 and 1910
