Telling histories from the Hudson River Valley

Research & Archive

Research & Archive

Whether you are a seasoned researcher or embarking on a new history project, our extensive archive holds volumes on Columbia County history and genealogy.

The Barbara P. Rielly Memorial Library at the CCHS Museum & Library 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 open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment during the week. Below, learn more about what’s in our archive, how to research, and services we provide.

 

Columbia County Archive

Our archive contains thousands of documents on Columbia County and New York State history, culture, architecture and decorative arts, as well as manuscripts, photographs and genealogy. Some of the items you’ll find in the archive are:
  • Books
  • Maps
  • Architectural drawings
  • Diaries
  • Personal correspondence
  • Scrapbooks
  • Newspapers and broadsides
  • Business records
  • Church records
  • Pamphlets
  • Programs
  • Photographic prints
  • Glass and film negatives
  • Cased images
  • Albums
  • Postcards
  • Subject files
  • Family files
  • Ephemera
We are currently in the process of digitizing our card catalog. If you would like more information on the types of books in our library, please contact us. Shelved books and genealogical materials are available without an appointment during our regular business hours. For access to other resources such as maps and the historic manuscript and photograph collections, an appointment is required.

Genealogy Resources

Our library staff are happy to help researchers trace their 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  • Copies of over 200 family genealogies, both published and unpublished.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

Research at CCHS:

Research Appointments

CCHS welcomes researchers of all kinds, from authors to students to hobby historians. Tell us when and what you'd like to research in our library, and we'll pull relevant archival materials prior to your arrival.
Find out more

Research Requests

If you'd rather leave it to the experts, our library staff can help you research genealogy and other topics related to Columbia County. Research is conducted for each paid request, including those for which CCHS finds little or no information.
Submit a request

Explore Our Collection

Our collection contains more than 10,000 objects, from early New York paintings to clothing, furniture and personal items. We exhibit objects periodically, as well as make our collection available to researchers on a limited basis by appointment.
Explore

Contact Us:

518-758-9265

 

Museum, Library & Offices

5 Albany Avenue

Kinderhook, NY 12106

Mailing address:

PO Box 311

Kinderhook, NY 12106

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