31 January 2019

On this Date

Today while researching one of my Flemish lines, van Leijenborch, I discovered that today is the 350th anniversary of the death of my first cousin ten times removed, Elijzabetha van Leijenborgh. She was born in Weelde, Antwerpen, Belgium on 20 December 1631 and died on 31 January 1669. She was buried in Weelde three days later.

Here is a scan from the burial records of St. Michael Parish in Weelde. Her record is at the bottom of the scan.


She was the daughter of Sebastianus Henrici Michaelis van Leijenborch (c. 1587 - 14 July 1649) and Helena Joannis Gijsberti (c. 1589 - buried 08 September 1659).

This is an example of how genealogical records between different countries are like comparing apples to oranges. Some of my ancestral lines so far can only be traced back to my great great grandparents. However this Dutch/Flemish line can be traced back to my 10th great grandfather. All genealogical records are not created equal. Elijzabetha, mentioned above is the niece of my 9th great grandfather, Joannes Henrici van Leijenborch.







30 January 2019

Local Genealogical Gems : NYSL Church Records for Palatine Germans

This week's set of records is located in the New York State Library (NYSL). The library holds many church book records from throughout the state. Today we are focusing on records from Dutchess and Columbia Counties. These church books are essential for researchers who are tracing their Palatine German ancestors. This list is by far from exhaustive. It is a small sample of church books that will be found in the NYSL. These are sources that I am using for tracing my Palatine ancestors.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wurttemberg, NY
(Dutchess County); Multiple Volumes
Call Number: 974.733 fW95l9 

Records of Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Peter the Apostle, The Stone Church, Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, NY; Multiple Volumes
Call Number: H974.733 R31h9p q 1965

Baptism and Marriage Records of the Reformed Churches of Upper Red Hook, Tivoli, Mellenville, and Linlithgo, 1766-1899
(Columbia & Dutchess Counties); Multiple Volumes
Call Number: H 974.739 q L 78l 1ba 

Baptismal Record of the Reformed Church of West Copak, NY, 1783-1899 (Columbia County)
Call Number: 974.739 qW522w5

Records of St. Paul's (Zion) Evangelical Lutheran Church at Red Hook, NY, 1730-1905
(Dutchess County)
Call Number: 974.733 fR31L9   

Records of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Rhinebeck, NY
(Dutchess County), Multiple Volumes
Call Number: 974.733 fR31l9p

Information gleaned from most of these baptism records will include:

  • child's name
  • date of baptism
  • names of parents
  • names of sponsors/witnesses

Baptism record for William Edward Reiffenberger
baptized: 27 November 1811
parents: John Reiffenberger & Elisabeth (wife)
sponsors: John Crusius & Atoinna Eckert
Wurttemberg, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran





23 January 2019

New Post & Update on the Friends of the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery Blog

Hours ago, there was a discussion about the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery on a Facebook genealogy forum, Capital Region Genealogy. A post on the latest update is long overdue. A link to the new post is provided, here.

Local Genealogical Gems : American-Canadian Genealogical Society Book Series

This week's local resource of the week is a couple of days late. Snow and work got in between my genealogical pursuits. The American-Canadian Genealogical Society (ACGS) has assembled numerous local church records into book form along with many other items.

The ACGS was founded in 1973 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Individual membership is $35 per year. Contact information for the society is below.
American-Canadian Genealogical Society
PO Box 6478
Manchester, NH 03108-6478
Phone: 603.622.1554
Email: acgs@acgs.org

The Albany church books are available for researching at both the New York State Library and also Pruyn History Room in the main branch of the Albany Public Library. Call numbers are not provided. Below is a small listing of church records that were transcribed and printed in book form.

Albany:

Our Lady of the Angels, Albany, NY 3,687 Marriages (1867 - 2004)
Our Lady of the Angels, Albany, NY 11,953 Baptisms (1867 - 2005) 2 vols.
Our Lady of the Angels, Albany, NY 9,017 Burials (1867 - 2005)

Sacred Heart, Albany, NY 1,981 Marriages (1874 - 2009); 2,020 Burials (1938 - 2010)
Sacred Heart, Albany, NY 5,906 Baptisms (1874 - 2010) 

St-George, Albany, NY 876 Baptisms (Apr 1917 - Dec 1998); 233 Marriages (Aug 1917 - Aug 1996); 398 Burials (Mar 1917 - Feb 1989)

St-Joseph, Albany, NY 24,969 Baptisms (1843 - 1992) 2 vols.
St-Joseph, Albany, NY 7,006 Marriages (Jun 1843 - 1992); 3,676 Burials (Jul 1922 - Oct 1974) 2 vols.
St-Patrick, Albany, NY 4,379 Marriages (Aug 1859 - Jun 2006)
St-Patrick, Albany, NY 12,800 Baptisms (Aug 1858 - Jun 2006) 2 vols.
St-Patrick, Albany, NY 4,000 Burials (1923 - 2006)

Cohoes:

St-Joseph, Cohoes, NY 7,770 Burials (1868 - 2003)
St-Joseph, Cohoes, NY 4,453 Marriages (18 Oct 1867 - 30 May 1999)
St-Joseph, Cohoes, NY 14,308 Baptisms (Sep 1868 - Aug 2005) 2 vols. 

Menands:

St-Joan of Arc, Menands, NY B-M-D (1927 - 2005) Various end dates.

Rotterdam:

Our Lady of the Assumption, Rotterdam, NY 1,518 Marriages (Dec 1933 - Jun 2002) 
Our Lady of the Assumption, Rotterdam, NY 4,406 Baptisms (Oct 1933 - Jun 2002) 
Our Lady of the Assumption, Rotterdam, NY 1,981 Burials (Oct 1933 - Jun 2002) 

St-Gabriel, Rotterdam, NY 2,445 Baptisms; 837 Marriages; 1,244 Burials (Nov 1957 - Apr 2006

St-Mary of Cortona, Rotterdam, NY 1,120 Marriages (1904 -2011); 1,599 Baptisms (1903 - 2010); 556 Burials (1926 - 2010)


Schenectady:

Sacred Heart, Schenectady, NY Marriages (1903 - 1998) 
Sacred Heart, Schenectady, NY 3,750 Baptisms (25 Oct 1903 - 30 Jun 2001) 
Sacred Heart, Schenectady, NY 2,701 Burials (Mar 1904 - Jul 2001)


St-Anne, Schenectady, NY 4,182 Marriages (Oct 1916 - Jun 2006) 2 vols.

St-Anthony, Schenectady, NY 13,693 Baptisms (Sep 1912 - May 2007) 2 vols. 
St-Anthony, Schenectady, NY 5,242 Burials (Oct 1916 - Jun 2007) 

St-Columba, Schenectady, NY Marriages (1908 - 19740
St-Columba, Schenectady, NY 5,146 Baptisms (Dec 1907 - Nov 1974) 
St-Columba, Schenectady, NY 2,028 Burials (May 1909 - Nov 1974) 

St-John Baptist, Schenectady, NY 4,949 Marriages (May 1854 - Jun 2009) 2 vols.
St-John Baptist, Schenectady, NY 14,436 Baptisms (Oct 1854 - Jun 2009) 2 vols.
St-John Baptist, Schenectady, NY 11,242 Burials (Jan 1886 - Jun 2009) 2 vols. 

St-Joseph, Schenectady, NY 7,043 Baptisms (Jun 1861 - Nov 2005)
St-Joseph, Schenectady, NY Marriages (28 Aug 1862 - 31 Dec 2000) 
St-Joseph, Schenectady, NY 4,100 Burials (Nov 1862 - Feb 2006) 

St-Luke, Schenectady, NY 2,840 Marriages (Jan 1917 - 2003)
St-Luke, Schenectady, NY 8,930 Baptisms; 3,893 Burials (1916 -2003) 

Troy:

Holy Trinity, Troy, NY 704 Marriages; 1,974 Baptisms; 949 Burials (Nov 1908 - Jun 1998)

St-John Baptist, Troy, NY 1,677 Marriages (15 Aug 1852 - 31 Dec 1970); 2,705 Burials (Oct 1875 - Dec 1970) 
St-John Baptist, Troy, NY 5,961 Baptisms (Aug 1852 - Dec 1970) 

St-Joseph, Troy, NY 23,337 Baptisms (1848 - 2007) 2 vols. 
St-Joseph, Troy, NY 5,420 Marriages (1849 - 2004)
St-Lawrence, Troy, NY 1,370 Marriages; 4,552 Baptisms; 920 Burials (Oct 1868 - Nov 1983)

St-Mary, Troy, NY 9,790 Marriages (Aug 1844 - Dec 2006) 4 vols.
St-Mary, Troy, NY 24,040 Baptisms (Sep 1844 - Apr 2007) 3 vols.
St-Mary, Troy, NY 5,591 Burials (Aug 1844 - Apr 2007)

St-Patrick, Troy, NY 3,917 Marriages (Sep 1872 - Jul 2000) 2 Vols. 
St-Patrick, Troy, NY Burials (Jul 1919 - Apr 2004)
St-Patrick, Troy, NY Baptisms (Sep 1872 - Apr 2004) 2 vols. 

Waterford:

St-Anne, Waterford, NY 693 Marriages (Nov 1908 - Jul 2002); 791 Burials (Jan 1925 - Jun 2002
St-Anne, Waterford, NY Baptisms (Jul 1887 - Jun 2002)







19 January 2019

Snow, it's Coming, Get Ready!

Snow, a bad four letter word. Maybe you do not think so now, but just wait till tomorrow morning. Get your snow shovels and snow blowers out. I am not looking forward to this. But I know that it will not be as bad as the photo below.

Blizzard of 1888



Even with all this snow coming, it is not that bad. Just think of all the genealogy, photo/document scanning, and emails that you can accomplish tomorrow when you are snowed-in.

17 January 2019

Upcoming Presentation : Gravestone Restoration

On Thursday May 16, 2019 at 7:30 PM at the Mynderese-Frederick House, the Guilderland Historical Society will host Christopher White; as he gives a presentation on gravestone restoration. The presentation will be interactive with the audience as procedures on gravestone restoration are shown through video and photographs.

The Mynderese-Frederick House built in 1802, a former tavern, is now the home of the Guilderland Historical Society and is located at
451 State Route 146
Guilderland Center, New York

Contact info for the society
Mail:
Guilderland Historical Society
Box 282
Guilderland Center, New York 12085

Email:
GuilderlandHistoricalSociety@gmail.com


15 January 2019

Buffalo Roman Catholic German Language Churches

Presently I am attempting to help someone with some genealogy work. This individual may also be a relative. Our DNA matches and we might be distant cousins. This is a new project that I am working on now.

However, through helping my potential new cuz I had to dig into some records out of the Albany area. Below is a very brief history of a few German Catholic churches in Buffalo, New York. Perhaps someone may find this information useful.


According to the Municipality of Buffalo, Many were added to the German settlements in Collins, Eden, Hamburg, Cheektowaga and Lancaster, and still larger numbers filled up Batavia and Genesee streets, and began to spread over all the northeastern part of Buffalo.[1]

St. Boniface, Mulberrry street, was originally known as St. John the Baptist. It was founded in 1849 by forty German families. The first resident pastor was Rev. P. Kunze. A frame church building was erected in that year, and also a little school house and rectory. The church was enlarged in 1851, and gave way in 1856 to the present brick edifice, built at a cost of $10,000, dedicated on June 15, 1857 by Bishop Timon.  A two-story brick school house was built in 1861. The church was much enlarged during ministry of Rev. Nicholas Long (1866-73), a new steeple and bells added, and a rectory built. A new brick convent was erected in 1888, and a new school house in 1898, the later at a cost of $50,000. The parochial school has an enrollment of about 380 pupils, the sisters of St. Joseph being in charge. The population of the parish is about 1,600. Succession of pastors: P. Kunze, 1849-54; R. Follenius, to 1859; H. Feldman, to 1863; J. Zawistoski, to 1866; J. Soermer, for few months; Nicholas Long, 1866 to 1873; H. Feldman, 1880; Chrystostom Wagner, to 1884; Ferdinand Kolb to the present.[2] 

In 1983 St. Boniface closed and merged with three other churches to form St. Martin de Porres located at 80 Durham Ave., Buffalo, NY. Tel. 716-892-0528
St. Boniface baptism records are online and can be found at the website: schwertfamily.net/st_boniface_marriages.htm


St. Ann's, at Broadway and Emslie street, was founded in 1858, and is the largest German parish in the city. Bishop timon secured the site and transferred it to the Jesuits, who erected a small brick church, school and priests' house. The church was dedicated on June 20, 1858. rev. J. Vetter, S.J., was first resident pastor; he was appointed in July, 1858, though it was Father Caveng who superintended the organization of the church was consecrated in May, 1886. It is of gray stone, seats 2,000, and cost about $150,000. St. Ann's parochial school, the largest in Buffalo, was built in 1895, at a cost of $100,000. It is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis (Stella Niagara), and has an enrollemnt of about 1,100 pupils. Succession of pastors is as follows: J. Vetter, from July, 1858 to August, 1860; B. Fritsch, to August, 1866; J. Blettner, to July, 1870; I. Bellwalder, to September, 1871; P. Spicher, to July, 1872; I. Bellwalder, February, 1875; W. Roether, to October, 1888; W. Kockerols, to December 1889; W. Roether, to September, 1891; J. Kreusch, to December, 1896; W. Becker, to November, 1898; T. Hegemann, to July, 1902; F.X. Neubrand, to August, 1903; V. Scheppach, to July, 1909; G.J. Krim; Peter W. Leonard to the present. The parish has given 22 Jesuits, 7 secular priests, and 100 nuns to the church.[3]

St. Ann's has been struggling to stay open and I believe that it recently closed. A website for the church is located here: www.saintannbuffalo.org
The church is located at 501 Emslie Street, Buffalo, NY 14212. Tel. 716-852-0100.

St. Michael's, 671 Washington, came into being as one of the results of the friction between sections of the congregation of St. Louis' parish. Father Lucas Caveng was placed in charge of the organization early in 1851, and on May 18th of that year he said first Mass to about 100 persons in the basement of St. Peter's French Church. The Squier property on Washington street had been bought by the Bishop as a site for his Cathedral, but he offered it to the Jesuits on condition that they should build there a college and church for the Germans. A church was built, and dedicated by Bishop Timon on January 1, 1852. A month later a little school was opened near the church. A new church was built in 1866-67, and was dedicated June 16, 1867, by Bishop Lynch, of Toronto. The cost of erection was about $120,000. A new brick school house was built in 1873, at a cost of $30,000. A new brick school house was built in 1873, at a cost of $30,000. The spires of the church, however, were not completed until about 1884, at a cost of about $20,000. The parochial school, which is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis (Stella Niagara), had an attendance of about 300 pupils in 1914; in 1920 the enrollment was 331 children. Since 1870 the church has been closely connected with Canisius College, the rector of which is also ex-officio rector of St. Michael's Church. The rectors have included: Lucus Caveng, 1851-62; F. Vetter, 1862; f. Joseph Durthaller, 1862 to 1867; F. E. Reiter, 1867; F. William Becker, 1867 to 1875; Joseph Kreusch, 1875 to 1885; H. Kamp, to 1894; Joseph Faber, to 1908; Bernard C. Cohausz, until succeeded by Rev. Robert H. Johnson, present rector.[4]
This church is still open. Its website is stmichaelbuffalo.org. The church is located at 651 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. Tel. 716-854-6726

St. Matthew, corner East Ferry and Wyoming streets, was established in 1908 for German Catholics, its first building a frame one, dedicated on August 2, 1908. School was opened in the upper floor in September of that year, with sixty-three children attending. School roll in 1914 was 300; in 1920 the enrollment was 326 children, under the direction of five Sisters of St. Joseph. In June, 1910, the church was blown down by a tornado. It was uninsured, but was soon rebuilt. Meanwhile arrangements were initiated to erect a more substantial edifice. In the autumn of 1910 a large site on East Ferry, Wyoming and Moselle streets was acquired, and a stone basement structure erected at a cost of $23,000. Dedication was on October 8, 1911. A rectory of stone was also built beside the church; its cost was $10,000. the congregation in 1909 numbered 780 souls; in 1914 had more than doubled. Rev. George Sellinger, who founded the church is still rector.
The church closed in 1993. But I just noticed that this is much after your time frame needed.

St. Mary, Broadway and Pine, was established to meet the wishes of some of the German parishioners of St. Louis' Church. In 1842 they asked "that the Redemptorists might come to Buffalo to establish a new church for German Catholics." One record states that the parish was organized in 1842, by rev. Joseph Alig; another that "Rev. Benedict Bayer, C.SS.R., came to found the new parish in 1843." He was offered the use of St. Patrick's Church "till other arrangements could be made;" whereupon father Bayer announced, through "The Weltberger," that on the next Sabbath, December 10th, services for German Catholics would be held in the basement of St. Patrick's Church. During the following year, the parish was organized, though on December 20, 1843, Father Bayer was replaced by Rev. Nicholas Alig, states Father Donohue, historian. Father Alig bought a site for a church on February 22, 1844, from James Milnor. A frame structure 180 by 50 feet and 16 feet high was erected in 1844, the labor being contributed by the congregation. In 1850 Father Alig opened a school in a rented building on Pine street; the school was taught by a Mr. Schmitt, a lay teacher. Another house on Batavia street, was rented for a girls' school. Father Alig also built a rectory in 1845, in November of which year, it is stated, Father Bayer again became pastor. On April 9, 1848, the cornerstone of a new church was laid; the building was dedicated in 1850. Father Joseph Helmpracht was the next rector, and in 1849 secured the sisters of Notre Dame to take charge of the schools. Many children were orphaned by the cholera scourge in 1851, and in 1852 Father Helmpracht bought the house adjoining that of the Sisters for $5,000, for use as an orphan asylum. In 1874 the German Catholic Orphan Asylum then established assumed this charity. A school for boys and girls was built on Broadway in 1856 (or1851), and 1868 (or 1869) Father Hespelein built another and much larger school on Pine street. Another school was erected on Broadway, it is stated, in 1874, the removal of the orphan asylum "giving room for the erection of a fine brick school house." A new convent was also built in that year. In 1900 Father Stern renovated the church, the renovated church being reopened in 1904. On April 10, 1911, a new lyceum and gymnasium, which had cost $117,000, was opened and blessed by the Bishop "the first building of its kind in Buffalo," and known as the Catholic Young Men's Association Gymnasium and Hall.

The early rectors or superiors of St. Mary's Church include: Carl Cannemueler, 1848; Joseph Helmpraecht, 1849; Anthony Urbanzeck, 1855; Aloys Schaefler, 1856; Joseph Claus, 1857; Henry Giesen, 1858; Anthony Schmidt, 1859; Robert Kleineidam, 1861; Louis Claessens, 1862; Adrian van de Braak, 1863; John Hespelein, 1868; E.F. Schauer, 1871; and Rev. George Sniet, 1877. Father Stern was in charge in 1900, Father Frank in 1901, Father Parr in 1911. Present rector is Francis Auth. The school had 580 pupils in 1914, but only 380 in 1920.[5]
The church is now Closed.  St. Mary's (German) records are housed in at Roman Catholic Diocese @ the Catholic Center, 795 Main Street, Buffalo, Tel. 716-847-8719. Check the website: buffalolore.buffalonet.org/stmaryR/

Other Buffalo churches to check include:
St. Louis Church, established in 1829. The church is still open and is located at 780 Main Street & 35 Edward Street, Buffalo, NY. Tel. 716-852-6040.
Email: st.louisgenealogy@gmail.com regarding genealogical requests. Volunteers handle searches and it may take up to six months to complete (St. Louis Historical Society). On site research may be available?

St. Francis Xavier Church, in Black Rock, established in 1847. Closed in 2007. The church building is now the Buffalo Religious Arts Center, located at 157 East Street, Buffalo, NY 14207. Tel. 716-481-2350

St. Joseph Church, in Elysville (Main Street near the University of Buffalo) was established between 1847-1850. The church is open and is now known as the St. Joseph University Church. 3269 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. Tel. 716.833.0298. Website: stjosephbuffalo.org

Regarding the churches that are now closed, the diocese of Buffalo may have to been contacted to determine where the closed church records are now located.


[1] Hill, Henry Wayland, ed. Municipality of Buffalo, New York: A History, 1720-1923. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1923, page 444.
[2] Ibid., pages 652-653.
[3] Ibid., page 651.
[4] Ibid., page 660.
[5] Ibid., page 659.

14 January 2019

Local Genealogical Gems : John M. Foll Funeral Home Records

This week's local genealogical gem is the John M. Foll Funeral Home Records. These ledger book records are housed at the Albany County Hall of Records. The books are a great find for those who are searching their "South End" Albany ancestors/relatives; especially those with German ancestry. It appears that Foll catered to the large German population within the "South End." His business locale was in the heart of Albany's Germantown, situated at 434 South Pearl Street. Records for later burials are much more detailed than earlier entries, see examples below.

Title: John M. Foll Funeral Home Records, 1891 - 1951
Compiler: Foll Funeral Home
Repository: Albany County Hall of Records
Boxes: 10

Inventory Numbers: 1204172000, 1204173000, 1204174000, 1204175000, 1204176000, 1204177000, 1204178000, 1204179000, 1204180000, 1204181000

The Albany County Hall of Records is located at
95 Tivoli Street, Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518.436.3663
Email: achor@albanycounty.com
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm


Henry Albert funeral expenses 1895

Lucy van Wagner funeral expenses 1933 


11 January 2019

History Program : Rensselaer County Resources

Join us at the Sanford Library in Colonie as the Capital District Genealogical Society hosts Kathy Sheehan, Renssealaer County Historical Society Registrar and the Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian for a presentation on genealogy resources available at the Rensselaer County Historical Society.

Date: 26 January 2019
Time: 1 PM
Location: William K. Sanford Library

629 Albany Shaker Road
Loudonville, NY 12211

Meetings are held on the 4th Saturday of month, except 3rd Saturday of month in May and November; no meeting in December.

All regular meetings begin at 1:00 PM.
Computer Resources Group meets 2:30 PM
1:00 - 2:30  Meeting and Speaker
2:00 - 2:30  Refreshments with meet and mingle time (our
speaker usually is usually available for questions during this time)

2:30 - 3:30  Internet Resources Discussion

10 January 2019

History Program : The People of Beverwijck

The Bethlehem Historical Society will host the esteemed Dr. Charles T. Gerhing, Director of the New Netherland Project, as he presents his talk, The People of Beverwijck.

The presentation will detail the early city of Albany, formerly Beverwijck, circa 1655. A leader city in the colonial fur trade.

Date & Time:
Thursday, January 17, 2019, at 2 PM.

Location:
Delmar Reformed Church
386 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, New York

Please check the website of the Bethlehem Historical Society for more information.
The Bethlehem Historical Society is located at
1019 River Road
Selkirk, New York 12158
518-767-9432

07 January 2019

Local Genealogical Gems : Old Fulton New York Postcards

The resource of the week is the Old Fulton New York Postcards website. Do not be fooled by the title of the web site. There are postcards on the site but it is mainly a searchable web site for researching newspapers within New York and elsewhere.

The convenience of this site is enormous. Imagine researching obituaries from a newspaper out of the area. No traveling and no searching through microfilm rolls. Now it must be said that although there are many newspapers that can be searched; the site does not hold every newspaper within New York state.

Oswego County resident Tom Tryniski, is the brains behind this operation. He has been digitizing and scanning microfilm reels since 1999. He has a microfilm scanner and he puts new images up every week. Matter of fact, this one man show has managed to digitize upwards of 50 million pages. That is more newspapers than the Chronicling America program that is sponsored by the Library of Congress and the National Endowment of the Humanities.

The web site search screen can be a little "clunky" but go to the Old Fulton web site and start searching. You will be amazed at what you can find.

Below is a list of Albany newspapers that are searchable. The titles are not complete. There are holes within the run of these newspapers. Over time I am sure those holes will be filled in with new additions.

  • Albany Argus
  • Albany Evening Journal
  • Albany Evening News
  • Albany Morning Express
  • Knickerbocker News
  • Times Union

05 January 2019

Genealogy & History Programs at HVCC

The following was cut and pasted from the web site of Hudson Valley Community College's Office of Community and Professional Education.

Below are upcoming inexpensive non-credit programs for anyone interested in local history and genealogy. Contact the Hudson Valley office for further information:

Office of Community and Professional EducationPhone: (518) 629-7339
Fax: (518) 629-8103
Location: Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 252

Registration begins January 17.

Checks and Balances: Congress vs. the Presidency
This is an examination of how the Founding Fathers separated, then checked and balanced power in our political system. The Constitutional roots of this essential political structure in our democracy will be studied, with case examples from American history, including presidential impeachment and other struggles between the branches of government. Current and recent examples of checks and balances and their effectiveness will be discussed.
61157
$39
3 Sessions, DCC B06
Mon., 4/1 - 4/15, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Henry Bankhead, Instructor

Two Presentations in One!
The Story of Betsy Doyle: A Woman of Courage and Strength in the War of 1812
Betsy Doyle lived near Fort Niagara where her husband, Andrew (born in Canada) served in the US Army during the War of 1812. Andrew was taken prisoner by the British and sent to London to stand trial as a traitor to the Crown. After the fall of Fort Niagara, Betsy had nowhere to turn for shelter for herself and her children. So began her winter journey for shelter and to find out what happened to Andrew. Her destination? Greenbush Cantonment.
The History of Hampton Manor: From the Beginning to the Present
Join us for a talk on the area now known as Hampton Manor and learn about its history before the development of the houses, during the housing development, the more historical homes in Hampton Manor and community activities of the past and present.
61088
$12
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 4/8, 9:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Bobbie Reno, Instructor

Woman’s Work: Female Spies in the Civil War
During the Civil War there were thousands of spies of all kinds - Union, Confederate, official, unofficial, black, white, effective or ineffective. Of the thousands, probably several hundred were women. This was an unlikely group, but a fairly successful one. This is a brief exploration of the espionage careers of some of the more notorious agents from both sides, including Elizabeth Van Lew and Kate Warne from the Union side, and Belle Boyd and Rose Greenhow from the Confederate side, among many others. Many of their exploits were daring and quite successful, and make for great stories.
61091
$12
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 3/26, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Jim Cochran, Instructor
First Lady Dolley Madison: The Toast of Washington City
In 1809, when “Lady President” Dolley Madison and her husband President James Madison took residence in the “President’s Palace” – the White House – it was an unfinished and unfurnished hull. Washington City, as it was then known, was a rustic, muddy town with few public buildings and a curious political code. While her husband dealt with issues of international and domestic affairs, Dolley began transforming the White House into a welcoming, tastefully decorated public space. She crafted a social climate that fostered personal alliances, earned the respect of foreign emissaries, and promoted national unity.
At her lively parties, politicians and regular people mingled within a structure of polite behavior and personal interaction, forging connections that could serve the interests of the nation as a whole. In this presentation, we will explore Dolley Madison’s legacy and accomplishments, and find out why she remained the social center of Washington long after her husband’s death.
61089
$37
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 3/27, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Historic Interpreter Phyllis Chapman, Instructor
The Hudson Mohawk Region: The Silicon Valley of the 19th Century
The Capital District is widely considered to be one of the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution. An unparalleled crossroads of transportation led 19th century entrepreneurs to flock to this area. They used the cutting- edge technology of their day to transform the dominant rural-agrarian lifestyle into an infrastructure devoted to advancement of an American industrial enterprise. Developments in transportation, including the Erie Canal and railroads, were coupled with development of investment banking resources, as well as advanced educational opportunity, to lead to our modern urban-industrial way of life. Inventions and developments here produced many of the components of our modern lifestyle, such as mass production of practical clothing, labor-saving devices, mass-produced food and effective labor organizations. Their clear understanding of the cultural dimension of this technological change gave direction to some highly celebrated engineering innovations.
61109
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Fri., 5/3, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Michael Barrett, Instructor
New Discoveries: Researching the Abolitionist Movement in Rensselaer County
Join Kathy Sheehan, Rensselaer County and Troy City historian, as she discusses information uncovered in recent years about the abolitionist movement. This presentation includes research on the Baltimore Family and information gleaned from the Troy Savings Bank Archives. We never get to write the last line in history, and new scholarship is always coming to the surface from unlikely sources. This is a lecture not to be missed.
61115
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Wed., 4/17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kathryn Sheehan, Instructor

TWO PRESENTATIONS IN ONE!
Schuyler Mansion: The House and the Sisters Who Lived There
The Schuyler Women
The Schuyler Sisters have been causing quite a stir in the Broadway musical “Hamilton: An American Musical,” but did you know that there were actually five sisters? Learn what it was like growing up in the wealthy Schuyler household during this in-depth look at the history of the Schuyler women, which centers on their daily lives and the impact they had in shaping their family’s history.
The Restoration of Schuyler Mansion: Tradition and Technology Accomplish the Impossible
For the 100 years that Schuyler Mansion has been an historic site open to the public, a restoration of the Ruins of Rome and a glorious papier-mâchĂ© ceiling have been, it seems, impossible to accomplish. Learn how advances in technology and new techniques have helped restore the mansion to the grandeur of the 18th century. Other fascinating projects will be highlighted as well, along with a peek into what’s in store for future restorations.
61116
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 3/25, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Heidi Hill, Instructor

DNA & Genealogy: A Beginner’s Guide
New to the world of genealogy and DNA? The television commercials make it look so easy, but can you really use your DNA test to help discover your family history? Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will outline the basics of both traditional genealogy research and understanding your DNA test. Learn how to combine the two and make important discoveries in your family history!
61086
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 3/12, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

DNA Testing for Genealogy - Beyond the Basics
DNA testing can be a powerful tool for finding living family, confirming your paper trail research, and debunking family myths. Find out how to use your matches to achieve these goals, and how to branch out from Ancestry DNA to find different matches and more sophisticated tools, without paying for another test. Join professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty for a guide to taking your DNA test to the next level! (This class is for those who have already taken a DNA test and have received their results.)
61080
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 4/16, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Ten Broeck Mansion Tour with Tea
The elegant Ten Broeck Mansion was the home of two of Albany’s most prominent families. It was originally built in 1798 as a Federal-style country home for merchant and Mayor Abraham Ten Broeck, who had served as a major general of the Albany militia during the Revolutionary War and distinguished himself at the Second Battle of Saratoga in 1777. Architectural details from this period include a delicate roof balustrade on the outside and a superb spiral staircase within. In 1848, the home became the residence of banker and philanthropist Thomas Worth Olcott and underwent modifications that included the addition of Greek Revival porticos to the doorways and marble mantels in the main first-floor rooms. Arrive early and after parking at the rear of the mansion gardens, stroll the tulip-filled path to enter the mansion and have a tour followed by a lovely tea. Course fee includes $15 materials fee.
60959
$27
1 Session, meet at Ten Broeck Mansion
Tues., 5/21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jean Chenette Coordinator

Knickerbocker Family Mansion - Ghosts, Tour and Lunch
The Knickerbocker Historical Society will be our hosts as they tell us about the history of the Knickerbocker Mansion, which dates from about 1770. They will arrange for historical ‘ghosts’ to give moving first-hand accounts of their lives and experiences, and they will explain the renovations – the not-for-profit Society rescued the mansion from certain demolition and has continued to restore it. Our visit concludes with a chance to tour the mansion and to a colonial lunch cooked with authentic recipes, a delicious side to the history of the mansion. Course fee includes $25 materials fee.
60018
$35
1 Session, meet at Knickerbocker Family Mansion
Thurs., 5/16, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Marie D’Entrone, Coordinator

Tour & Book at the Batcheller Mansion
On this outing, participants are treated to a first-person tour of the Batcheller Mansion by Mr. George S. Batcheller, portrayed by local author and Victorian historian Hollis Palmer. The Batcheller Mansion is an icon of Saratoga. Built in 1873-74, the house had to be finished in time to host a reception for President Grant. Though the outside may look imposing, those who have been inside have experienced the house’s true magnificence and warmth. The entire experience takes about 90 minutes and allows guests to appreciate what it was like to live in the Victorian house the New York Times called “Saratoga’s Crowning Glory.” Course fee includes $20 materials fee.
61081
$32
1 Session, meet at Batcheller Mansion
Thurs., 3/21, 1 - 3 p.m.
Paula Johanessen, Coordinator

A Visit to the Burden Iron Works Museum
Located in the former office of one of the most important firms in the history of iron and steel, the Burden Iron Works museum covers the industries that made Troy one of the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution. Among other things, the area gave the world the detachable collar and cuff, the hook headed railroad spike, the armor for the USS Monitor, machine-made horseshoes at a rate of 51 million a year, the modern fire hydrant, heating and cooking stoves and so much more. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
60949
$22
1 Session, meet at Burden Iron Works Museum
Fri., 3/29, 10 a.m. - noon
Marie D’Entrone, Coordinator

The Saugerties Lighthouse
Join us at the Saugerties Lighthouse, an 1869 landmark on the Hudson River that now stands proudly as a living museum and a renowned bed and breakfast. Step back in time over a hundred years to experience the charm and rustic simplicity of life in the middle of the river. The Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of the public. The restored, red-brick lighthouse offers overnight bed and breakfast accommodations, public tours and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light tower offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains. Because of its location on the river, tours must be scheduled with tide schedules in mind. The lighthouse can be reached via a half-mile nature trail of dirt and rock paths with wooden bridges and boardwalks and sandy trails. It is at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties, New York. Suitable, comfortable shoes are recommended. Course fee includes $8 materials fee.
60470
$18
1 Session, meet at the lighthouse, Saugerties, NY
Thur., 5/9, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Linda Lyden, Coordinator

Visit Historic Grant’s Cottage
Ulysses S. Grant, hero of the Civil War and 18th President of the United States, died at Grant Cottage, in the town of Wilton, NY, on July 23, 1885. When the clock on the mantel was stopped at 8:08 a.m., the hour and minute of Grant’s passing, time itself stopped within Grant Cottage. The rooms and their furnishings are as they were that sad morning of Grant’s death.
As well as touring the cottage and hearing about the General’s tragic but ultimately triumphant and inspiring final year, guide Steve Trimm will share little-known and fascinating stories about U.S. Grant. Grant Cottage is full of marvelous and unexpected tales. A walk out to Promontory Point on a clear day is amazing, with views of the Berkshires, Green and Adirondack Mountains. This is a two-and-a-half hour program with a lot of standing and walking. Please wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on paved and uneven surfaces and dress for the weather. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
60457
$20
1 Session, meeting at the Grant Cottage Visitor’s Center
Mon., 5/13, 10 - 12:30 p.m.
Lea Darling, Coordinator

Walking Tour of Troy’s Historic Washington Park, Surrounding Homes and Artists Studio with Tea
Enjoy taking a step back in time to the mid-1800’s to see and experience the genteel living of the nouveau rich of Troy’s Washington Park, surrounding neighborhoods and newly-added artist enclave. You will be able to see firsthand the care taken to rehabilitate and update many of these one-of-a-kind homes. You will see many different types of architecture, including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne. We may even see a restoration in progress at one of the homes. Recently, several artists have been setting up studios in this rich cultural area, and we will visit one or more. A tea reception will be held in our last home visit on the tour.
There will be lots of walking on mostly uneven surfaces: sidewalks, grass, roads, and some home interiors with multiple flights of stairs, climbing up and down. Be mindful of your capabilities to keep up with the group as we have a tight schedule to adhere to for the 2 1/2 hour tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet for all of the tour. Course fee includes $10 materials fee.
60460
$20
1 Session, meet in Washington Park across from the front of 195 2nd Street
Thurs., 5/23, 10 - 12:30 p.m.
Cynthia Serbent, Coordinator

The State Education Building
The Education Building of the State of New York was completed in 1912 and was the first major governmental building constructed exclusively for educational purposes. The tour begins with a look at the architectural elements of the building. Inside, it includes stops at the Liberty Bell, the Rotunda, the mural paintings, the Regents Room, and concludes with a viewing of the monumental artwork “The Genius of America” in Chancellor Hall. Please bring photo identification.
61095
$12
1 Session, meet at 89 Washington Ave, Albany
Sat., 4/6, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Marie D’Entrone, Coordinator

Unique Schoharie Tour - History, Eggs, Folk Art and More
We will visit several unique Schoharie County sites. See the Mildred Vrooman Easter Egg Collection with thousands of hand-painted eggs. Marvel at egg dioramas: U.S. Presidents, 1st Thanksgiving, a circus and more. Join us to tour the 18th century Colonel Peter Vrooman house, with original features including Dutch doors, wide plank floors, ancient beams, and unexplained markings. Hear interesting stories about the house and its owners. This is the first time the house has been opened for tours by the present owners. We’ll also visit a covered bridge and Old Stone Fort Museum and conclude with a delicious lunch at the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, the Capital Region’s longest running country store. Please note parts of this trip are not handicap accessible. Course fee includes $37 materials fee.
61120
$49
1 Session, Meet at Old Stone Fort
Wed., 4/17
Berna Heyman, Coordinator

Crailo: the Dutch Lifestyle 350 Years Ago
Crailo, the museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley, offers so much to discover. Join us for a tour on the foodways and domesticity in the 17th century colony of New Netherland. By closely examining archaeological artifacts, historic reproductions, documents and Dutch genre paintings, a rich picture of the Dutch lifestyle 350 years ago along the Hudson River is revealed. The tour will end in Crailo’s kitchen cellar where a costumed interpreter will share recipes, cooking techniques and typical menus of a Dutch American home of the 1600s. Course fee includes $4 materials fee.
61122
$14
1 Session, Meet at Crailo
Tues., 3/19, 10 a.m. - noon
Marie D’Entrone, Coordinator

Tour the American Italian Heritage Museum
The American Italian Heritage Museum is the largest Italian American Museum in the east, ten rooms of exhibits plus a gift shop. The mission of the museum is to honor the region’s Italian immigrants, tell their story and showcase the contribution of Italian Americans. Professor Philip J. DiNovo is the museum’s founder and president, and in 1994 he was knighted by the Italian government for his years of service to the Italian American community. Come visit and absorb some of the immigrant experience. Course fee includes $5 materials fee.
61121
$15
1 Session, American Italian Heritage Museum
Fri., 3/22, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jean Chenette, Coordinator

Gravestone Restoration
In honor of Mother’s Day, Historic St. Agnes Cemetery will host a gravestone restoration workshop focusing on the graves of women and children. Tragically, this Victorian-era cemetery, like most of its kind, serves as the final resting place for thousands of mothers and children who were unfortunate victims of a time when medical care and medicines were primitive and often ineffective. Some statistics note infant mortality in the 19th century as high as 50 percent before the age of one year. Childbirth was dangerous and too often fatal. Over time the memorials to these poor souls have suffered the effects of the elements and need cleaning and repair. This special workshop is a way for us to remember the lives of mothers and children gone too soon. Materials for cleaning and simple repair are provided. You will need to bring waterproof work gloves, a plastic trowel and a spade for digging. Refreshments and bottled water provided. Feel free to bring lunch or order from a local deli. Restroom facilities are on site in our Visitors Center located in St. Agnes Cemetery. Course fee includes $15 materials fee.
61067
$25
1 Session, St. Agnes Cemetery
Fri., 5/10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kelly Grimaldi, Instructor