Neighboring County Resources
Columbia County genealogy research often requires extending beyond it’s immediate geographical borders. Neighboring counties can hold vital clues to ancestors’ lives, such as migration patterns, family connections, and land ownership. This page provides a curated list of just a few of the resources available for conducting genealogical research in the counties neighboring Columbia County, which may help uncover hidden family histories and expand your understanding of your ancestral roots.
All New York Counties
FamilySearch Catalog “Place” Search – Explore FamilySearch‘s online catalog of genealogical materials specifically for a particular geographic region (i.e. county, state). More detailed instructions for utilizing the catalog are available here.
New York Genealogical and Biographical Society is the oldest and largest genealogical society in New York State.
They offer a wide range of resources to help you learn about your New York ancestors, including online records, educational events,
and publications. While some resources are free, full access requires membership.
New York State Library – The Library has a vast genealogy collection of family histories, primarily focusing on New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New England. The Library also provides online access to its collection through Excelsior, its online catalog. Excelsior also lists records from the Historical Documents Inventory, which catalogs manuscripts and collections held in other libraries and archives in New York State.
Albany County, New York
Albany County, NY, was established in 1683. It’s the oldest county in New York and has played a crucial role in the state’s history, serving as its capital since 1797. Columbia County was formed from parts of Albany County in the late 18th century and can be an important aspect of Columbia County genealogy research.
Albany County Hall of Records – The Albany County Hall of Records provides resources for researching your family history such as city directories, census records, and naturalization documents.
City of Albany Vital Statistics – If you have ancestors from the city of Albany, this city government agency holds birth and death records occurring within city limits starting at 1870.
Capital District Genealogical Society – The Capital District Genealogical Society (CDGS) is a non-profit that helps people research their family history in New York. They offer resources and educational programs to members and the public.
Dutch Settlers Society of Albany – The Society focuses on genealogical research by collecting and preserving records related to the early history of Albany. This includes vital records of the original settlers and their families, crucial for tracing ancestral lineages.
FamilySearch Wiki Page – Containing information on the county’s history, the types of genealogical records available, and where to locate them.
Ancestry.com’s Albany County Research Page – Encompassing a collection of records like census data, vital records, military collections and city directories.
Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, was formed in 1761 from parts of Hampshire County. Its history is deeply intertwined with westward expansion, with early settlers arriving in the 1700s.
Berkshire Family History Association, Inc. – A vital resources for researchers, this organization preserves local history through its extensive library and offers invaluable support. Members gain access to research resources, receive discounts on events, and connect with other family history enthusiasts.
Berkshire Anthaneum – This library in Pittsfield houses a vast collection of local history books, vital records, family histories, and more. Researchers can search microfilms of local newspapers, explore digitized collections, and access expert assistance from knowledgeable staff.
Berkshire County Historical Society – The Society’s collections include vital records, church records, family histories, land records, and local newspapers.
FamilySearch Wiki Page – This page is a guide containing information on the history of the county, types of records available for genealogical research, and where to find those records.
Ancestry.com’s Berkshire County Research Page – This page provides access to Ancestry’s historical collections for Berkshire county including census records, vital records, newspapers, directories, as well as land and probate records.
Berkshire County GenWeb – This site serves genealogical and historical researchers by collecting and providing data related to the county.
Dutchess County, New York
Dutchess County, NY, was established in 1683. It played a key role in the American Revolution and is known for its rich agricultural history and scenic beauty.
Dutchess County Genealogical Society – The Genealogical Society was established in 1972 to help organize and direct genealogical work in the county.
Dutchess County Historical Society – The Historical Society’s website provides a collection of resources for researchers and has an “All Tools Index” section serves as a central hub for navigating these resources.
Poughkeepsie Public Library – The Library’s Genealogy collection primarily focuses on Dutchess County’s history and its families, but it also encompasses information on families and towns across the broader Hudson Valley and New York State.
Starr Library – This library, located in Rhinebeck, has a Local History and Genealogy Research Center, which offers extensive family history resources.
FamilySearch Wiki Page – A guide outlining the county’s historical background, detailing the types of genealogical records accessible for research purposes, and specifying the repositories where these records are housed.
Ancestry.com’s County Research Page – Discover record collections, historical information, and genealogy resources here to help you trace your Dutchess County ancestors.
Greene County, New York
Greene County, NY, was formed in 1800 from parts of Albany and Ulster counties. Its history includes early Dutch settlement, as well as a significant role in the American Revolution.
Vedder Research Library – Founded by the Greene County Historical Society, the library houses historical documents of Greene County and the upper Hudson Valley dating back to the 1680s. Available by appointment, the Library actively collects and preserves these materials, while also enhancing access to its existing collection.
FamilySearch Wiki Page – A guide to the county’s birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
Greene County NYGen Web Page – Greene County is a part of the NYGenWeb Project, which is a volunteer-driven initiative that provides free online access to genealogical and historical resources for New York State.
Ancestry.com’s County Resource Page – Record collections, historical information, and genealogy resources found on the website.
Rensselaer County, New York
Rensselaer County boasts a rich history dating back to colonial times. Early Dutch settlement, particularly the patroonship of Rensselaerswyck, significantly shaped the county’s social and economic development.
Hart Cluett Museum Research Library – The largest local history library, archives and research center in Rensselaer County.
Genealogy and Local History at the Troy Public Library – This collection encompasses hundreds of books, pamphlets, and other historical documents, including works by local authors, Troy City Directories, local newspapers, photographs, postcards, family histories, and census records.
FamilySearch Wiki Page – A guide with information on the county’s history, types of records available for research, and where to find those records.
Ancestry.com’s Rensselaer County Research Page – Record collections, historical information, and genealogy resources found on the website.
Rensselaer County GenWeb – Rensselaer County is a part of the NYGenWeb Project, which is a volunteer-driven initiative that provides free online access to genealogical and historical resources for New York State.
Utilizing the resources outlined above, just may assist with new genealogical discoveries. The information available, from online databases to local archives, provides a solid foundation for uncovering family history connections in your Columbia County genealogy research.
Need Assistance With Your Columbia County Genealogy?
Through Holly’s website, you’ll gain access to a range of services designed to help with your genealogy research. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your genealogical journey, she offers:
- Personalized Research: Combing through historical records, including census data, vital records, land deeds, and local newspapers, to reconstruct family trees.
- Expert Guidance: Providing support to help navigate through the intricacies of genealogy research and overcome roadblocks.
- Record Acquisition: Struggling to locate specific records? Holly can assist in finding essential documents from archives, libraries, and other repositories
