New York State Library

Manuscripts

New York State history is the major emphasis of the collection. However, many of the collections are of national interest because of the role New York State has played in the history of the United States.

Manuscripts and archives dating from the early 17th century to the present are available. These include the papers and records of individuals and organizations for most subjects, including social, art, political, military, environmental, family, religious, literary, and scientific history.

Some large research collections include:

• Civil War history;
  • Civil War Collections held by the Library: Alphabetical list, with a brief description of each collection
  • Soldiers and Statesmen: Arranged by State and Regiment
• Protestant church records;
• land records, particularly for eastern New York State;
• 19th century geology;
• Adirondack history;
• organizational history;
• New York State family history;
• Shakers;
• 19th-20th century politics;
• railroad history;
• 19th century New York State painters; and
• women's history
  • Selected Women's History Collections, alphabetical list

Some Manuscripts and Special Collections Finding Aids are available on this web site; others are available with the collections.