FAQ’s for History & Archives website:

1. Can I get birth, marriage & death certificates for my ancestors at History & Archives?
   
   Births, marriages & death certificates have been recorded locally with the Town or City Clerks’ offices since New York State required registration around 1880. You should contact those offices for copies of the appropriate record(s).
2. Do I need to make an appointment to visit History & Archives?
   
   Appointments are encouraged but not required. Due to staff schedules we like to have visitors make appointment so that we can be sure a knowledgeable staff member will be available to assist them during their visit. Particularly if you are traveling a distance we would like you to get the most out of your visit with us.
3. Is it permissible to take digital or electronic photos with my phone or ipad?
   
   Yes. We do ask that you consider a donation.
4. Can I bring Food or Drink into the Office?
   
   No, in an effort to preserve our historic records, food or drink is not allowed in the History & Archives office.
5. Is WIFI available?
   
   Yes.
6. What is the difference between a Primary Source and Secondary Source?
   
   A primary source is a source that was created at the time of the event. A secondary source was created after the fact.
7. Can I access birth, marriage & death certificates for my ancestors in History & Archives?
   
   Birth, marriage & death certificates have been recorded locally with the Town or City Clerks' offices since New York State required registration around 1880. You should contact those offices directly for copies of the appropriate records. (i.e.; if the person died, was born or married in "Town of Root", or any of Montgomery County towns then contact that towns Clerk's office for these documents).
8. Do I need to request items from the Archival Collection ahead of my visit?
   
   Again due to staffing schedules, items from the archival collection must be requested in writing at least 48 hrs prior to your scheduled visit. You can send an email with your request to historian@co.montgomery.ny.us and put “Archival resource request” in the subject line of your email. Please be specific in your request by providing, title, date span, family name, and doc info/#). These materials are located in another building.
9. Do I have to pay to use the Library?
   
   There is no fee to use the library. Please refer to our fee schedule for the cost of copies. If you are not able to visit the library, staff can conduct a search of our records at the cost of $25.00 per hour (no more than 5 hours per request).
10. Is there a difference between Montgomery County, NY Department of History & Archives and Montgomery County Historical Society?
    
    Yes. To avoid confusion, the Montgomery County Historical Society is a separate organization from the Montgomery County Department of History & Archives, an agency of the Montgomery County local government.
    
    The Montgomery County Historical Society is a private not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1904 to preserve and promote Mohawk Valley history. Since 1906 they have owned and maintained Old Fort Johnson National Historic Landmark, the 1749 home of Sir William Johnson, as well as collections of artifacts that span five centuries. Old FortJohnson Website*
11. How do I research my family's history?
    
    Please refer to our Surname List on-line to search for a family folder &/or also a Genealogy Binder.
    
    Our library has numerous area church records, census records, war records, local history books that could be searched. We are open M-F 8:30am - 4:00pm, except legal holidays. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. Due to staff schedules, we like to have visitors make appointment so that we can be sure a knowledgeable staff member will be available to assist them during their visit, and particularly if you are traveling a distance we would like you to get the most out of your visit with us. Appointments can be made by calling 518-853-8186 or booking an appointment on-line.
    
    We can confirm whether we are in possession of a family surname file, or genealogy information. We cannot review the file for your specific descendant, nor can we confirm your descendants unless a research form is submitted. Research is $25.00 / hour and the cost of copies are $0.25 a sheet/scan.
12. How do I research my house?
    
    The best way to start would be to stop at the County Clerk’s office first, research the address/owners going backwards in time to acquire the name, and then come to our office to view our 1905 maps, family files, etc. Even if you locate the original owner, it doesn't necessarily mean we will have information on the family or the desired location. There is a House History checklist at our office that will be helpful for the various sources to check when researching your home.
    
    
13. How to obtain a copy of naturalization records?
    
    The Montgomery County Clerk's office has Naturalization Records. Some documents can also be found on familysearch.org*.