Old Stone Fort Library
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
Library Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Sundays Noon to 4:30. Library closes for lunch Noon-1 (except Sundays)
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.
Miscellaneous Information
Local Historians Names Chiseled into Fort Walls
Dates Towns Formed On-Line Article: Days of the Flockey
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you have the texts of documents and records on line? We do not have the resources for such a project so there are no plans at this time to put library documents or records on line. The on-line article "Days of the Flockey," about the 1777 Battle of the Flockey, was originally written as a web promotion for the Historical Society's major 2002 living history event. Articles published in the Schoharie County Historical Review from 2001 through spring 2003 are posted in the Review section.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.
General Library Information
Address145 Fort Road
Schoharie, NY 12157
518-295-7192
E-mail unavailable at this time
Library Hours
May - October
Open weekends, May 4 through October 27;
Weekdays, May 20 through October 18.
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
Museum Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sundays Noon to 5
Library closes at 4:30 and for lunch Noon-1 (except Sundays)
November through April
Tuesdays only or by appointment - 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 $10.00 a day fee for
all others. Copies are 25 cents for Schoharie County Historical Society
members and 30 cents for all others, plus tax. Free to students grades
K-12.
Library Rules
This is not a lending library. Due to the historical nature of many of our resources, we request you observe the following rules:- Patrons are not allowed in the stack area.
- Use pencils only.
- Library closes for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. daily. All patrons must leave the research room.
- Copies are to be made by a staff member.
- Do not lean or write on documents or volumes
- Permission to publish any manuscript, photograph or ephemera must be requested prior to publication.
- Briefcases, bags and parcels must be placed in lockers provided. We reserve the right to inspect all parcels, bags and papers.