New York Research

We spent several days in St. Lawrence County in upper New York with various levels of success.

Massena: At the local historical museum we read through the Hackett and Bailey files. It seems we were able to "prove a negative," as the Hackett family we were wondering about had been in Massachusetts and Vermont for generations and probably had no connection with John Hackett who arrived from Ireland in the 1840s. The volunteer was helpful but not very familiar with the museum holdings.

Bombay: We read online that the historical museum was open Wednesday mornings, but no one was there when we arrived. We called the number and one of the volunteers was willing to drive over to open the building. We visited with her briefly; that small museum didn't have research materials. She provided directions to two local cemeteries and we did find one grave marker linked to a family line.

Potsdam: We had called the museum the previous day and given them a list of surnames. Erin and Mary were particularly interested in our visit, as Mary was also researching a Bailey line. It turned out that she and Dick had a common ancestor! They had pulled the family files for our surnames and had several other helpful suggestions. These ladies knew their stuff!

Canton: The Silas Wright Museum here has a large collection of genealogical materials. We read family files, county histories, cemetery books, and the coordinator searched for our surnames in their computer system. Mary, Dick's cousin from Potsdam, also volunteers at this museum, so we had more opportunity to discuss research with her. We visited two more cemeteries in the area, also.

Success in New York seems to depend upon the knowledge of the museum directors and volunteers, and we had success in Potsdam and Canton for that reason. Calling ahead also saves time, as the volunteers can have the family files ready for you.