30 September 2019

Genealogy Day at the Schenectady County Historical Society

The Schenectady Historical Society (SCHS) is hosting its annual genealogy day in October. Three speakers will present on various topics during the day and in the afternoon the the society library will be open for research. Details are below.

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019 
Time: 9am-2pm at SCHS, 32 Washington Ave 
Cost: $8.00

Schedule:
9-10:15am
“Complex Evidence: Untangling Multiple, Same-Name Individuals” Presented by Judith Herbert, Certified Genealogist®
You’ve found a John Smith in your ancestry and the question becomes, “Which of the possible John Smiths is my John Smith?” The lecture will provide tools and techniques for separating persons of the same name in an area, to ensure that researchers are locking on to the correct individual. Strategies for planning and conducting a surname study will be covered, as well tips for making sure all possible sources have been consulted, which could help to identify the right John Smith.


10:15-11:30am
“Patching Families Together Through Land Records” 
Presented by Tina Post
When genealogists hit brick walls it’s not fun. Land records can provide the clues necessary to put stymied research on track again. This presentation will provide examples of how relationships can be gleaned using deeds, bounty lands and land grants. In addition, platting will be discussed as a means of creating more leads to investigate.


11:30-12:45am
“Gravestone Conservation for the Genealogist” 
Presented by Christopher White
Have you ever seen that unreadable gravestone or that toppled monument and wondered what can I do to address its condition? There is a correct way and a wrong way to remedy that gravestone.


12:45-2pm
Research in the Library


The Schenectady County Historical Society is located at
32 Washington Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12305

Phone: 518.374.0263
Web: www.schenectadyhistorical.org

Hours: M-F, 9AM-5PM & SAT, 10AM-2PM
Admission: $5; children, students (w/ID), and SCHS members are free




29 September 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 has already began.

A Visit to the Burden Iron Works Museum with Michael BarrettLocated in the former office of one of the most important firms in the history of iron and steel, the 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 per year, the modern fire hydrant, heating and cooking stoves and so much more. Course fee includes a $10 materials fee.
51003
$20
1 Session, Burden Iron Works Museum
Fri.,, 10/18, 10 a.m. - Noon
Michael Barrett, Instructor

Murder at Cherry Hill: A Dramatic Tour of a Fateful EveningA rifle shot, a scream, and the Cherry Hill household erupts into chaos! On May 7, 1827 a notorious murder occurred at Cherry Hill mansion that resulted in two sensational trials and Albany’s last public hanging. Join us at Historic Cherry Hill to investigate the scene of the crime and relive the differing perspectives of those who witnessed that fateful night. Attendees will receive our popular “Murder at Cherry Hill” book and enjoy light refreshments at the end of the program. Course fee includes a $20 materials fee.
50651
$30
1 Session, Cherry Hill
Fri., 10/25, 4 - 6 p.m.

Visit Historic Grant’s CottageUlysses 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. Today, the rooms and their furnishings are as they were that sad morning of Grant’s death. You’ll tour the cottage and hear about the General’s tragic but ultimately triumphant and inspiring final year, and 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 a $10 materials fee.
50326
$20
1 Session, Grant’s Cottage
Thurs., 10/10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m..
Lea Darling, Coordinator

Capitol Hauntings: A Historical Ghost Tour of the New York State CapitolExplore the haunted history of one of New York State’s architectural treasures, the Capitol building in Albany. Find out about the night watchman who still makes his rounds, despite his death in the 1911 fire. Search for the missing murals above the Assembly Chamber – and the eccentric artist who painted them. Examine the strange gothic creatures carved in stone on the famous Million Dollar Staircase. These and other “strange incidents” will be the subject as we walk the halls with Stuart W. Lehman, assistant curator for the New York State Capitol. Our Capitol Hauntings tour will start at the tour desk on the first floor of the Capitol. Please note that everyone will have to go through metal detectors and show photo identification before entering the building.
50051
$10
1 Session, Capitol Information Desk
Mon., 10/28, 3:30 - 5 p.m..
Mel Witkowski, Coordinator

The Schuyler Sisters and Their Circle: Exhibit and Docent Tour at Albany Institute of History and ArtThe exhibition will discuss the wide-ranging intellectual, social, and political interests of Catharine Van Rensselaer Schuyler and her daughters Angelica, Elizabeth, and Margaret (Peggy) – three sisters who witnessed history unfold in Albany, New York, Philadelphia, Paris, and London. As the wife of Alexander Hamilton, Eliza had a front row seat to events that shaped this country in the years immediately following the revolution. For many years, Angelica lived abroad where she entertained royalty, diplomats, and artists in Paris and London. She maintained life-long friendships with the prominent figures she met, like Thomas Jefferson, and patronized artist John Trumbull. Peggy married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, who ranks 10th on Business Insider’s list of wealthiest Americans of all time.

The exhibition will use clothing, decorative arts, portraits, and manuscripts from the Revolutionary Period to the Federal Period to tell the stories of the Schuyler women. The exhibition will be installed in the second floor galleries of the museum. The Albany Institute has secured the loan of the rarely-exhibited John Trumbull portrait of Angelica Schuyler Church with her child and servant from a private collection, and significant loans from Columbia University, New-York Historical Society, Museum of the City of New York, and Metropolitan Museum of Art, among many others. Course fee includes a $8 materials fee.
51204
$18
1 Session, Albany Institute
Fri., 10/4, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Marie D’Entrone, Coordinator

Crailo and its Dutch Lifestyle: 350 YearsCrailo, the museum of the Colonial Dutch in The Hudson River Valley, offers so much to discover. Join us for a tour of the floodways 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 a $4 materials fee.
51199
$14
1 Session, Meet at Crailo
Fri., 10/18, 10 a.m. - Noon
Cynthia Serbent, Coordinator

The History of the Watervliet ArsenalRobert “Bob” Pfeil retired from the Watervliet Arsenal last year after 51 years of service. In this presentation, he will be talking about the history of the Watervliet Arsenal, including location, organizations, missions, military housing, Erie Canal, bridges, cemetery and ghosts.
51197
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Mon., 10/21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Bob Pfeil, Instructor

The Tragedy of Alexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton led the Federalist Party for over a decade, and served as Secretary of the Treasury, inventing fiscal policy that laid the foundation for a prosperous modern commercial nation. Yet shame over his humble origins dogged him and made him hypersensitive to criticism. Jack Casey, an author, attorney and former political leader, who just completed his historical novel, “Hamilton’s Last Clash,” will explore this uniquely American tragedy. While showing why Hamilton is the most influential of the founding fathers upon our way of life, Jack will share his views on the darker side of American adversarial politics, and will also acquaint attendees with Revolutionary-era songs he will play and sing.
50671
$25
1 Session, WIL 113
Thurs., 11/7, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Jack Casey, Instructor

Understanding Your Ancestry DNA TestWhether you have done an Ancestry DNA test or are just thinking about it, you are probably wondering just what it all means. This workshop, with professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty, will provide an overview of DNA basics, what you can expect from an Ancestry DNA test, why Ethnicity Estimates are not the most important part of the test, and how DNA can help you discover more about yourself and your family history.
50822
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 11/19, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor

Using Ancestry.com for Your Family History
Ancestry.com is the internet’s largest genealogy website, with 15 million plus DNA testers and more than three million subscribers worldwide as of 2017. Its many features can be a great advantage to those researching their family history, but all that information can also be confusing and intimidating. Join experienced Ancestry user and professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty to find out what exactly Ancestry.com has to offer, how to perform effective searches, how to find the information you are looking for, and how to create an online family tree that is both accurate and interesting enough to share!
51157
$15
1 Session, WIL 113
Tues., 10/15, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Lisa Dougherty, Instructor


23 September 2019

Oktoberfest: Three Times


It is that time of the season! What season? Oktoberfest, JaVo! Here are three upcoming Oktoberfest events that are coming up soon. The first one:

Glenville Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 28, 2020
12 noon till 9 PM
Maalwyck Park, Glenville
Live German music
Free



If you did not get enough Oktoberfest, check out another Oktoberfest the following day.

Nassau Oktoberfest
Sunday, September 29, 2020
12 noon till 4 PM
Village Commons Park, John Street, Nassau
Live German music from the Bavarian Barons
Free


In October, the German-American Club of Albany will host their Oktoberfest dinner. Please see their website for further information, cost, and reservations.

Oktoberfest Dinner
Sunday, October 20, 2019
1 PM doors open
German-American Club of Albany, 32 Cherry Street, Albany, NY 12205
Live music from Gregory and the Brauhaus Band
$


Prosit!

19 September 2019

RootsTech 2020: February 26-29, 2020

Attention genealogy enthusiasts! Have you ever heard of RootsTech? If the answer is no, I will help. RootsTech is the largest genealogy conference in the world. This year is the 10th anniversary of the conference which is held yearly in Salt Lake City. RootsTech is hosted by FamilySearch International. Over 20,000 people from all over the world who are genealogists and family historians attend each year to learn new skills on methodology, technology, computers, DNA, and much more through over 300 learning sessions and workshops presented by world class professionals and experts in their fields.

Great news is registration for this event opened yesterday and there is a special for early bird pricing until October 11, 2019. Now is the time to make plans for attending RootsTech 2020! Also numerous hotels are offering special rates for those attending RootsTech. Some hotels are already filled.

Important Details

  • Theme: The Story of YOU
  • Dates: February 26-29, 2020
  • Location: Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S.W. Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
  • Pricing: Early bird pricing, $169 until October 11, 2019. Price increases to $299 afterward. One day passes for $99.
  • Web: www.RootsTech.org
This is just the beginning! Much more to come!




16 September 2019

Translation of German Words on Gravestones


For those of us genealogists who have German ancestry and for those of who conduct research in cemeteries that hold German interments, you probably noticed words or phrases inscribed on gravestones that are in Deutsch or German. Have you questioned what do these words mean? Well, to help, below is a short list of words that are found on gravestones of Germans and a translation to the English equivalent. This list will be added to as more are discovered.

Deutsch                              English
Alt                                       Age
Eltern                                   Parents
Er Ruhet                              He rests
Ehefrau                                Wife
Er wurde geboren                He was born
Frau                                     Woman/Wife
Gatte                                    Husband             
Gattin                                   Wife
Geboren                               Born
Gestorben                            Died
Gott                                     God
Hier                                     Here
Im Gott                               In God
Im Herr                               In Lord
Im Unsers Herrn                 In our Lord
Jahr/Jahren                          Years/Years
Jahren von Herr/Herrn        Year of our Lord
Kind/Kinder                        Child/Children
Monat/Monaten                  Month/Months
Mutter                                 Mother
Ruhet                                  Rests (m)
Ruhen                                 Rests (f)
Sie Rhuet                            She rests
Sie War                               She was
Sie wurde geboren              She was born

Sohne                                  Son
Sohn von/ Sohnes von        Son of/ Sons of

Tag/Tagen                           Day/Days
Tochter/Tochtern von          Daughter/Daughters of
Tod                                      Death
Vater                                    Father

Gravestone Example Inscribed in Deutsch



14 September 2019

Log Cabin Cemetery - Hurstville

This Spring the gravestone of Jacob Cappallo and his wife Mary Schaeffer Cappallo was uprighted at the Evangelical Protestant Church Cemetery. See the photo below. While doing research on another individual, the death notice for Jacob Cappallo was discovered and a new discovery came to light. The Evangelical Protestant Church Cemetery, also known as the Hurstville Cemetery, also had another name, the Log Cabin Cemetery.


Gravestone of Jacob & Mary Cappallo
Times Union 17 March 1897 5:6
Cappallo- March 16th, at the residence of his son, 613 Clinton avenue, Jacob Cappallo, aged 67 years and 3 days. Funeral Thursday afternoon at 2:30.

Brief information on the life of Jacob Cappallo was found in various Albany newspapers. Including the snipet below.


Times Union 17 March 1897 5:5
- Mr. Jacob Cappallo, one of the best known residents of the West End, died yesterday at the residence of his son, 613 Clinton avenue. He was the proprietor of Cappallo hall, the meeting place of Division 5, A.O.H. and several other societies.

The interesting part of this story is below from a notice in the Times Union newspaper where he is listed as being buried in the Log Cabin Cemetery.


Times Union 19 March 1897 6:4
The funeral of Jacob Cappallo took place yesterday afternoon from the residence of his son, Frederick, 613 Clinton avenue. The rev. Mr. Reller of the German Evangelical Protestant church officiated. The bearers were Coroner George Held, William Smith, Ernest Gau, and Goetleif (sp) Klinger. Interment was at the Log cabin cemetery, Hurstville. Mr. Plantz had charge.


Hurstville was in the local newspapers many times over the years. Hurstville, once located in the Town of Bethlehem until residents of the hamlet petitioned the town to allow Albany annex the area. This was over an inadequate water supply to the area. Proceedings for this action began in 1964 and in 1967 the area was annexed to Albany.

Times Union columnist Edgar S. van Olinda wrote snippets on local history of Albany for years. Once such story was printed in the Times Union on July 29, 1943, 1:1 stating, Hurstville, a section of Albany, better, better known by that name a quarter of a century ago than it is today was once known as Log Cabin. In after years, there were several hotels along this turnpike, such as Hurst's, Johnnie Hoy's, the Home Lawn and the Adams House.

Five years earlier "Looking Back" columnist Nancy van Dyck wrote in the Times Union on October 30, 1938, C3:1 that Driving along New Scotland avenue, near the Buckingham Garden development, the other day, there came to mind the days when New Scotland avenue, a "plank road" and the Hurstville Hotel and picnic grounds, which were located at about the intersection of the Whitehall road and New Scotland avenue, were the mecca of many of the younger set. A trip to Hurstville in those "Horse and Buggy Days" was an event of much importance. All day journey, it took an hour or more to get there and to get home again, so that the younger set of those days invariably started out early in order to enjoy a days outing, in what was then the heart of the countryside.

Newspaper reporters reminiscencesed about the old days as early as 1928 when Times Union columnist DeWitt Schuyler wrote in his Albany Day Day column on June 26, 1928, 1:1, Do you Remember- When there was a race track at Hurst's hotel and Hurstville?

Readers thinking about that question would be very old considering this news story from the Saturday August 28, 1869 Albany Morning Express that reported The Turf,- The attendance at the track- Hurstbille- yesterday was quite large, and the sport was good. In the first race Hill's "Capt. Jenks" was the winner, and in the last Greenman's "Sir William."

The story of Hurstville revolves around William Hurst who owned many acres of land including the trotting park where the horse racing occurred. See the following link for a detailed Knickerbocker News article from 1952 about the former hamlet of Hurstville.


William Hurst II

Hurstville Hotel


10 September 2019

Dramatic Tour of Murder at Cherry Hill

On the evenings of October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, and 26, Historic Cherry Hill will present a dramatic tour reliving the infamous 1827 murder that occurred at the Cherry Hill mansion; once home of the van Rensselaer family from 1787-1963

The program times begin at 5:30 and 7:00 PM each night. Reservations are required. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com. Cost for members of Historic Cherry Hill is $15 and non-member ticket cost is $20.

Cherry Hill
523 1/2 South Pearl Street
Albany, New York 12202
518.434.4791

Web

09 September 2019

New York Chapter Palatines to America Fall 2019 Conference

The New York Chapter of the Palatines to America German Genealogy Society will hold its Fall 2019 Conference on Saturday October 5, 2019. The featured speaker is Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CG® author of Guide to Hanover Military Records, 1514-1866. McMillin has taught at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG).

She will be speaking on the following topics

  • Oh Where, Oh Where are My Ancestors From?
  • So, You've Found Your German Town of Origin, Now What?
  • Untangle the Web of German Websites
  • The Voyages of Our German Immigrants
Location:
Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport
800 Albany-Shaker Road
Albany, New York 12211

For more information email: palamny@gmail.com

Palatine to America society members registration fee: $55
Non-member fee: $80


08 September 2019

48th Annual Festival of Nations

The 48th Annual Festival of Nations will be held at The Egg in the Empire State Plaza on Sunday, October 20th from 12-5 PM. Celebrate different cultural traditions at the festival. Tasty ethnic foods are available. Unique crafts, watch ethnic dances and listen to music from various nations.

Tickets $5 for adults
Children $2 (ages 3-12)

For more information:
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