Albany County
Columbia County
Fulton County
Greene County
Montgomery County
Rensselaer County
Saratoga County
Schenectady County
Schoharie County
Washington County
Counties Served
Albany County
Columbia County
Fulton County
Greene County
Montgomery County
Rensselaer County
Saratoga County
Schenectady County
Schoharie County
Washington County
Counties Served
Town of Colonie
629 Albany Shaker Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
4th Saturday of month, except 5th Saturday in 2020 in May for the Conference and the 3rd Saturday of month in November; no meeting in December.
All regular meetings begin at 1:00 PM.
Computer Resources Group meets 3:00 PM
Election of Officers - November
Donations Needed
CDGS has a "sale" table set up during the meeting, bring any genealogy magazine, maps and/or books and put a price on them, it is 50/50, you get half of the sale, or you can donate your half to the society.
Our inventory is low at the moment so if you have any genealogical journals or books you would like to donate they would be appreciated.
We welcome you to a year of interesting and informative programs at CDGS!
1:00 - 2:30 Meeting and Speaker
2:30- 3:00Refreshments with meet and mingle time (our
speaker usually is usually available for questions during this time)
3:00 - 3:30 Internet Resources Discussion
February 22, 2020
Christopher White
Gravestone Conservation for the Genealogist
Remember that gravestone that was so dirty that you could not read it or the one that was tipped over? What can youdo? What should you do? Discover what that "dirt" is and theproper methods for conserving gravestones.Determine why a gravestone is in its present condition, learn what to do and what not to do so that you help preserve gravestones for the next generation.
Presenter Christopher White is a genealogist, historian, and gravestone conservator with over thirty years of
genealogical research. He holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in History from the University at Albany. His writings include a Masters Thesis, “From Acceptance
to Renunciation: Das Ende von Albanys Deutschtum.” His focus is on local genealogy, cemeteries, and German-
American history in the Capital District area of New York. Read more from Christopher at
www.albanygravedigger.com and findingyourpast.blogspot.com.
March 28, 2020
Jamie Brinkman
The New York State Archives
The New York State Archives is engaged in another collaboration with Ancestry on the digitization of NYS
records, which are expected to be released in early 2020. CDGS is very pleased to welcome Jamie Brinkman,
an experienced archivist, to present on the recently digitized records which include:
• Prison and executive clemency records
• Civil service employment cards
• Grand Army of the Republic post rosters
Jamie will also discuss the unique arrangement that the Archives made with Ancestry that allows NYS
residents free access to these and other records without the need of an Ancestry subscription.
April 18, 2020
Research Day
Are you new to genealogy? Do you have a brick wall you would like help with?
CDGS volunteers will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on April 18, so drop in to the Colonie Town Library at your convenience and our volunteers will assist you with your research.
May 30, 2020
All Day CDGS Conference at the Desmond. See the Conference Page for more details. Questions? email to cdgsconference@gmail.com.
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
Genealogy Database Spotlight
The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library has a program on February 24, 2020, from 1 pm - 3 p, titled "Genealogy: Database Spotlight" It covers how to use the four genealogy databases available in the Clifton Park-Halfmoon library, namely
Registration is required and opens on February 3, 2020. See this link for further information: https://events.cphlibrary.org/event/3677317
Albany Public Library - Washington Avenue
African American Genealogy
The free program, African American Genealogy; a Personal Journey, will be presented at Albany Public Library on February 26, 6:00-7:30pm.
Local resident Aaron Mair shares his experience researching his African American family ancestry. This four-decades long exploration ultimately led to an extended family reunion in North Carolina. Read more about the reunion: https://www.sentinelprogress.com/news/8042/a-bittersweet-homecoming.
Please register online or by calling the Washington Avenue Branch Reference Dept at 518-427-4303
Jewish Genealogical Workshop
Sunday, March 1, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York
184 Washington Ave Extension, Albany, NY
The Capital Region Jewish Genealogical Society (CRJGS) will hold its March 2020 meeting on Sunday March 1, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm in Albany, NY. This meeting will be in a workshop format for members of the public seeking hands-on assistance in conducting Jewish genealogical research. Whether you are developing a family tree or have a specific research task that needs help, bring your questions, problems, brick walls and other challenges and we will do our best to assist you.
We will have several experienced researchers on hand who have a wide array of experience using basic and advanced resources and techniques, as well as “tricks of the trade,” to help to move your research forward. We are familiar with the use of free and paid research resources (including social media) in the United States and around the world. We can also show you how DNA test results can unlock your family history and connect you with living family members. Internet access will be available, so please bring your laptops, tablets or other devices, as well as any documents you may have questions about.
For questions about CRJGS you can reach us at crjgs1@gmail.com .