Haviland-Heidgerd
Historical Collection

The HHHC is the non-circulating research section of the Elting Memorial Library. Considered the best genealogical and local history collection in the Mid-Hudson Valley, it is a repository for primary source material and published works relating to the Hudson Valley. Its strongest focus is on the town and village of New Paltz.

Come See Us

We strongly recommend that you make an appointment to visit the history room. Certain services, like using Family Search or Ancestry require an appointment so we can guarantee access at an appointed time. You can schedule your visit using the button below or by calling/emailing us.

Hours

10:00 - 5:30
1:00 - 5:30
10:00 - 5:30
1:00 - 5:30
10:00 - 5:30

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Contact Us

Collection Coordinator: Carol Johnson
Collections Manager:
Margaret Stanne

Email: HHHC@eltinglibrary.org
Phone: (845) 255 - 5030

*If you are trying to reach us with a query when we are closed, please send an email instead of leaving a voicemail.

Additional Information:

Take a look at our digital collections, projects and policies.

Local History Books

Written by collection staff these books make excellent gifts to those new to the area or to those just visiting.

Images of America: New Paltz

Images of America: New Paltz

$21.59

Buy now
Images of America: New Paltz Revisited

Images of America: New Paltz Revisited

$23.75

Buy now

Make a donation.

Your monetary donation ensures that the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection maintains its status as the best genealogical and local history collection in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Your donation allows us, among many things, to purchase essential supplies, rare books, and host programs.

Our collection is always growing. Interested in learning more about donating items to our collection? Contact staff for assistance.

Your history is their history. Pass it on.

HISTORICAL COLLECTION

Census Records: U. S. Federal Census (1800-1930) on microfilm for selected New York State counties. N.Y. State Census (1845-1925) for selected counties. Some indexes available.

Church, Cemetery & Bible Records: Extensive collection of indexed Hudson Valley records including the counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Greene, Columbia, Putnam and Sullivan. Miscellaneous records from other  New York State Counties.

Lewis and Naomi Deyo

Computer and online services: Public computer for genealogical purposes. Access to online subscription databases and websites including ancestry.com.

Genealogies: Published and unpublished material with concentration on Hudson Valley families.

Miscellaneous genealogical information: Biographical information on approximately 2,000 New York State families.

Lewis and Naomi Deyo

Vertical Files & Special Subject Files: Newspaper clippings and ephemera related to local people, businesses, schools, churches and organizations.

Family Search and Ancestry: We are an active Family History Library Affiliate with digital access to semi-restricted images. Appointments are required for the use of these services.

Maps & Directories: Extensive map and atlas collection including many 1st edition county atlases & wall maps done during the 19th century. Directories of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster Counties.

Elting Memorial Library, post-1923

Newspapers: New Paltz newspapers (1860-forward) on microfilm. There is limited digital run of the New Paltz newspapers made available by the NY State Library. Visit here.

New York Heritage: A free digital, accessible, searchable online resource of New York State. Rich in facts, photos, letters, diaries, manuscripts, memorabilia, maps, ephemera, audio and video clips, postcards and more from the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection and other historical societies, libraries, museums both local and state-wide. Visit here.

Elting Memorial Library, post-1923

The New Paltz Times, first edition: Friday, July 20th, 1860.

The New Paltz Times, first edition: Friday, July 20th, 1860.

New Paltz, as seen in the 1875 Beers Atlas of Ulster County

Obituaries, Births, and Marriage Announcements:  Clipped from New Paltz newspapers, 1860 forward. Fully indexed.

Periodicals, magazines, newsletters and yearbooks: Published periodicals from several genealogical & historical societies; Locally published magazines; Newsletters from many organizations and civic groups; Yearbooks from the New Paltz Central School District, The New Paltz Normal School, The College at New Paltz and SUNY New Paltz.

New Paltz, as seen in the 1875 Beers Atlas of Ulster County

Photographs, Slides, & Postcards: Thousands of images dating from the late 19th century of residential, commercial, educational, religious and institutional buildings. Also, portraiture and family snapshots, community gatherings, recreation, transportation, the Hudson and Wallkill Rivers, the Mohonk and Minnewaska Mountain Houses, and the Catskill Aqueduct.

Special Collections: Account books, invoices, and business ledgers from the Minnewaska Hotels; The Pine Funeral Home Records, Civil War letters, deeds, diaries, Family papers, Records of local clubs and organizations.

Your donation helps us provide many of our services, programs, resources, and collections to the community. We could not do this without your support.