Genealogical Room

The Starr Library has assisted The Consortium of Rhinebeck History in the creation of a space for researchers of genealogies and general local history. The Local History Room is located on the library’s lower level, the room is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 o’clock to 3 o’clock or Saturdays by appointment.

The room houses a large collection of history and resource books including church and cemetery records, abstracts of Ulster and Dutchess County wills, newspaper marriage and death information and notebooks compiled by respected historians and genealogists. Many family genealogies are accessible on CDs. The Rhinebck Gazette (1842 -1990), State and Federal Census information and rare documents of local and National interest are all available on microfilm. A new microfilm reader-printer also provides the ability to scan and save the images.

Over a thousand maps drawn by Frank Teal, Rhinebeck surveyor during the early part of the 20th century, are being inventoried by members of The Rhinebeck Historical Society and scanned through a grant from The Thomas Thompson Trust

The books, CDs and microfilm can be found on the Library’s card catalog. Holdings of the various Consortium member organizations may be viewed on the Consortium’s website www.rhinebeckhistory.org

Contact Nancy Kelly at kinship@hvc.rr.com or Michael Frazier at michaelfrazier@earthlink.com for more information or to make arrangements for a visit.