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Archiver > NYBROOKLYN > 1999-06 > 0928238638


From: "Sharon Carberry" <>
Subject: Re: [NYBROOKLYN-L] New York State Archives
Date: Tue, 1 Jun 1999 05:03:58 -0700


Nancy wonders re: the state archives
in Albany:

"what's the staff like; what's the equipment
like; any fees I should know about in ad-
vance; is it very crowded."

It's been about two years since I was there,
but I cannot remember any problem with
the equipment I used. The staff were very
visible at the desk and probably available
for more assistance than the initial guidance,
had I asked for more help.

My problem was all the material I had to
survey and trying to find somewhere to
keep my children, then both under age 12,
since they were not allowed in the library.
(There is an appropriate museum on a
lower floor, but they reported getting bored
there.) I used the card catalog and found
many possible volumes to consult, far too
many for one afternoon, so I went to the
city directory collection, which was filmed.
I made good progress there, in the
Williamburgh material.

I also went to the 13th floor Vital Statistics
office, which has on microfiche an invaluable
collection of birth, death, and marriage
certificate numbers for events outside NYC
up to about 1930. I remember being able to
get certificate numbers for such events if I
knew the year, and then combed through
until I found the month and day. This was
what I needed, although still some entries
looked like "P. Carberry (no gender), exact
day, exact place" which is disappointing
when it takes $11 to find out more by ordering
the certificate.

I had no time to use the census films,
though luckily a relative had been there
a few years ago and had given me the
notes she had made, which have been
a big boost for my Kingston research.
If she can do that there, anyone can.

What I dislike most about the state archives is
the lack of parking (the basement garage gets
full quickly) and nearby reasonable lodgings.
I dread the thought of going back, although I
need to do that soon.

Hope this helps.

Sharon Carberry

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