New York History: Difference between revisions

''{{NY-sidebar}}'[[United States Genealogy|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[New York Genealogy|New York]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[New_York_History|History]]'' <br> [[Image:Herkimer-at-oriskany.jpg|right|400px|Herkimer-at-oriskany.jpg]]

=== Brief History  ===

=== Local Histories  ===

Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. The United States Research "[[United States History|History]]" page cites nationwide bibliographies of local histories which include histories of New York.  

*Harold Nestler, compiler, ''A Bibliography of New York State Communities'', Third Edition. (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, Incorporated, 1990) {{FHL|585203|item|disp=FHL book 974.7 H23nh}}

*New York has officially appointed town and county historians who gather material about their locality and its people. They often have original and transcribed cemetery records, newspaper clippings, church records, and local histories. For their addresses, see ''The County Historians Association of New York State, 1991 Directory of New York State County and Municipal Historians'' Fifth Edition. (Albany, New York: The New York State Education Department, Division of Research and Collections, 1991) {{FHL|618330|item|disp=FHL book 974.7 N24v}}

*Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985.) {{WorldCat|12356760|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|299450|item|disp=FHL book 973 H23bi}}

*Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. {{WorldCat|315166|At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|252458|item|disp=FHL book 973 A3ka}}

*[http://www.accessible.com/accessible/aboutAC2.jsp Accessible Archives] ($) has digitized dozens of New York county local histories.

=== Migration  ===

=== State Histories Useful to Genealogists  ===

*David M. Ellis, et al., ''A History of New York State, 1957'', revised (Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1983) {{FHL|321493|item|disp=FHL book 974.7 H2e}}

*One of the best multi-volume histories is Alexander C. Flick, ed., ''The History of the State of New York'', Ten Volumes. (1933; reprint, Port Washington, New York: Ira J. Friedman Incorporated, 1962) {{FHL|179427|item|disp=FHL book 974.7 H2f}}

*Brodhead, John Romeyn, compiler; O'Callaghan, Edmund Bailey, and Berthold Fernow, translator and Editor. ''Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York, Procured in Holland, England and France'', by John Romeyn Brodhead, Esquire, Agent. 15 Volumes. (Albany, New York: Weed, Parsons, and Co., 1853–1887.) {{FHL|196658|item|disp=FHL films 824380–91; 974.7 H2d; }} Biographical sketches drawn from official records of governors, courts, and petitions.

*''Documentary History of the State of New York''. Four Volumes in eight parts. (Albany, New York: Weed, Parson and Company, 1849–51 [octavo edition]; 1850–51 [quarto edition].) {{FHL|199371|item|disp=FHL films 986504–07; fiche 6051121; book 974.7 H2o}} A subject index is on {{FHL|199371|item|disp=FHL film 017137 item 10.}} Digitized version available through FamilySearch Catalog entry. Biographical information drawn from official records of governors, courts, and petitions.

*O'Callaghan, Edmund Bailey, ed. ''Calendar of Dutch (and English) Historical Manuscripts in the Office of Secretary of State'', (Albany, New York, Two Volumes. 1865–1866. Reprint, Ridgewood, New Jersey: The Gregg Press, 1968.) ({{FHL|173759|item|disp=FHL fiche 6051113; book 974.7 A3c}}Many of the documents described in this inventory were destroyed or damaged in the 1911 capital fire.

=== United States History  ===

*Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' (Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983.) {{WorldCat|9392978|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FHL|531408|item|disp=FHL book 973 H2alm}}This book provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.

*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976.) {{WorldCat|2507380|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FHL|76529|title-id|disp=FHL book 973 H2ad}}Includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.

*Van Doren, Charles Lincoln; Robert McHenry, ''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. (Springfield, Mass.: G and C Merriam, 1971.) {{WorldCat|142893|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|280192|item|disp=FHL book 973 H2v}} Includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.

*American Historical Association, ''Writings on American History'' (Washington, D.C.:American Historical Association,1960-1960) {{WorldCat|1770230|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|244514|item|disp=FHL book 973 H23w}}Full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ& Google Books]

=== Family History Library  ===