Meetings

Regular Meetings:

Held at William K. Sanford Library

Town of Colonie

629 Albany Shaker Road

Loudonville, NY 12211

4th Saturday of month, except 3rd Saturday of month in May and November; no meeting in December.

All regular meetings begin at 1:00 PM.

Computer Resources Group meets 2:30 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.

1:00 - 2:00  Meeting and Speaker

2:00 - 2:30  Refreshments with meet and mingle time (our

speaker usually is usually available for questions during this time)

2:30 - 3:30  Internet Resources Discussion

We welcome you to a year of interesting and informative programs at CDGS!

August 24, 2019

Terry McMaster

Scots-Irish Immigration, the Old New York Frontier and the Cherry Valley Massacre

Terry's research centers on the settlement of the western frontier of colonial New York in the 18th century largely by Scots-Irish and Palatine German settlers and examines the development of these borderland communities and the conflict that erupted during the Revolutionary War.

The white European-Americans who established this frontier saw their farms transformed into a theatre of death and destruction as a result of the political turmoil of the War of Independence.

This presentation looks at 18th century Native American settlements of the Mohawk and upper Susquehanna regions, the influence of missionaries on these villages, and the cultural, political and religious influences which united some peoples and made enemies of others.

Enhanced with maps and illustrations from 18th century sources, we will examine how ethnic differences and religious affiliation largely determined the side chosen prior to and during the early years of the war.

Rebel Americans were largely drawn from Palatine German and Scots-Irish ethnic populations, while white Loyalist sympathizers and partisans were primarily Irish, Scottish and English. The Iroquoian peoples who participated in this affair were primarily but not exclusively Oneida and Tuscarora on the rebel American side, and Seneca and Mohawk on the Loyalist side.

Terry McMaster is an independent researcher examining ethnicity, settlement patterns and family connections throughout the Mohawk and Upper Susquehanna Valleys prior to and during the American Revolution.

Terry is primarily researching the citizen soldiers who fought for and protected the homes and families of colonial Tryon County, the alliances and conflicts between Loyalists, Indians and Revolutionaries, and the part played in their lives by family ties, ethnic variation and religion. He is especially interested in the emigration of Ulster Scots to New England and New York, and their sizable impact on the "War of 1776."

He is also involved in a large-scale Y-DNA project that traces Scots-Irish genetic and population patterns in Northern Ireland and America.

Terry is a photographer, artist and teacher, and works as an addiction therapist at Professional Counseling Services in Camillus, NY.

Sept 28, 2019 

 County Historian Round Table Discussion

In this meeting we will be using a different format: A round table discussion. There will be representatives from Schoharie, Greene and Columbia counties. They will present on the following topics:
• Interesting items in their collections
• Interesting topics they have researched
• Prominent settlers/residents
Each presenter will have a set period of time for each topic after which the audience can ask questions. After all topics have been presented by all speakers, there will be time for additional questions. Please join us for this very informative session.

Oct. 26. 2019 – Schuyler Mansion: A Genealogical Presentation

With the arrival of the musical “Hamilton” at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady in August, the “Schuyler Sisters” exhibit at the Albany Institute of History & Art from July to December, and many other events, the Capital District is in a Schuyler Family frenzy. CDGS is very pleased to announce a presentation by Schuyler Mansion staff at the October 26, 2019 CDGS meeting that will be geared towards genealogy.

On the following day, Sunday October 27, 2019 at 1:00, there will be a CDGS day at Schuyler Mansion.  Signups and payment will be collected starting at the August, 24, 2019 CDGS meeting. Cost is $4 per person (adults only), with a maximum of 30 attendees.

Nov 23, 2019

Ellen D'Aniello

A Salute to Veterans and a World War I Member Share

We will acknowledge veterans in attendance and then turn our focus to World War I. While the war ended in 1918, most of our service members returned home in 1919 so this is the 100th anniversary of welcoming them home.
Ellen D’Aniello will give a brief presentation on the role of the Red Cross and the YMCA during the war effort. She will also present on her maternal grandfather who was a POW in WWI. The program will then be opened up for members to share about their WWI service members. Signup for the member share will be available starting in September.

BIO
As the eldest grandchild on both sides of her family, Ellen D’Aniello has been investigating her roots since she was 12 years old. While she was lucky to have all four grandparents and a great grandmother living until Ellen was a teenager, those early conversations served to spark her curiosity and begin her journey down the genealogy path.