Open by appointment only from November 1 through April 30
No appointment necessary Thursday - Sunday May 1 through October 31

The library does not have e-mail service. It cannot be reached by e-mail.
Snail mail: 145 Fort Road, Schoharie, NY 12157    Telephone: 518-295-7192

Library Guide

Introduction. This guide to locating information in the Old Stone Fort Library does not list every item available. It describes those most frequently used for genealogy. If you are unfamiliar with any source, our staff will be glad to explain how it is used and what relevant information it contains. Requests must be mailed or telephoned. The library does not have e-mail capability.

Before undertaking research at the library, we ask that you fill out a registration form which will be kept on file. Please sign our "contact book" if you wish your name/address and research topic to be shared with others. You are also welcome to browse the books for people you can contact.

There are many other subjects relating to Schoharie County history that can be researched at the library, in addition to genealogy. Our card catalog, Archives and Manuscript Guide, and photo index are all finding aids to our other resources. We have information on Schoharie County history, military history (especially where it relates to this county) and information on surrounding counties.

One last note: We do our best to keep this guide as up to date as possible, but our files are always being updated.

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What are the vertical files? Genealogical information that we have collected over the years. It contains research we have done for others, and research people have donated to us. We are always happy to have people donate the research they have done on local families/people/local subjects.

Why can't I go in the stack area, since I much prefer browsing? We have limited space and cannot separate our rare books and papers from the library. Most archives do not allow browsing. It is unfortunate, but all libraries seem to have experienced things that seem to "walk." Many of our resources are one of a kind, and irreplaceable.

Can you help me with the Old Stone Fort Cemetery? Yes and no. We have no jurisdiction in the cemetery (burials, stone placement or repair, etc), which is run by a cemetery association. We do have some records and maps which may be able to help you locate a grave.

Who was Henry Cady and what are his records? He was the Fort's first caretaker and he collected information from various sources about our early families. Unfortunately, he never cited his sources.

Why can't I copy or scan this photo/original document I just found? Using a copier/scanner is like leaving it out in the sun, it really speeds the fading and other problems. It is not a one-time request, either. If you requested it, how many other people will, as well? We can send it to a qualified photographer and have a photographic copy made (there is an expense to you). Pictures found in books are fine to copy.

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Library Hours
May 1 - Oct 31
Open Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 4:30 p.m.
Closed for lunch, (noon - 1:00) except Sunday.

July & August
Also open Monday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (in addition to regular weekly schedule).

November - April
By appointment only - call in advance.

Note: all times subject to staff and volunteer availability. Archival material available by appointment only.

Fees
Use of the library is free to Schoharie County Historical Society members and Schoharie County Residents. There is a $6.00 a day fee for all others. Copies are 25˘ for Schoharie County Historical Society members and 30˘ for all others, plus tax. Free to students grades K-12.

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1. Patrons are not allowed in the stack area.
2. Use pencils only.
3. Library closes for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. daily. All patrons must leave the research room.
4. Copies are to be made by a staff member.
5. Do not lean or write on documents or volumes
6. Permission to publish any manuscript, photograph or ephemera must be requested prior to publication.
7. Briefcases, bags and parcels must be placed in lockers provided. We reserve the right to inspect all parcels, bags and papers.

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Genealogy Assistance
Time permitting, Schoharie County Historical Society staff and volunteers will do genealogical research using the library collection at the Old Stone Fort. No outside research is conducted.

Due to the time required researching this material, the society has set a research fee of $15.00 per hour, any Xerox copying to be done at a rate of $0.30 per page, plus postage. New York residents please include 8.25% sales tax for copies.

Research will be undertaken upon receipt of $15.00 and written authorization. A statement for the balance of payment, if required, will be sent with the material. We are pleased to provide you with this service.

Please send specific genealogical requests with copies of any research that has already been conducted that pertain to the request, so research is not duplicated. Our researchers are extremely capable and seldom require time past the first hour.

The Library and Genealogy Department do not have e-mail capability at this time.

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