Research Resources
The Hart Cluett Museum (HCM) has reference materials and books covering the following topics:
Local History - including personal papers, business and organization records.
Decorative arts and fine arts - furniture, cabinet makers, etc.
Genealogy research
City directories
Architecture
HCM also has a large collection of maps, photographs, slides and post cards. All collections are non-circulating.
Internal Resources
Brief Index to Historical Records at HCM
Please note: These records are not digitized and are available to view at HCM.
Finding Aids
Finding Aids for HCM archival collections
OPALS Card Catalog
Searchable database of HCM Research Library collections.
Online Index for Rensselaer County Surrogate Records (1791-1915)
This index is located on the Troy Irish Genealogy Society (TIGS) website. Copies of Surrogate Court Records can be ordered from HCM. The fee covers the cost of pulling a single file from the archives, as well as photocopying all documents in that file and mailing a complete package to the requester.
External Resources
List of Rensselaer County Town Historians
Troy Public Library
HCM does not have birth records, obituary notices, census information or local newspapers. This information may be available at the Troy Public Library.
County Clerk's Office
Land Records, deeds, etc. are at the County Clerk's Office. Naturalization records are available by mail at Rensselaer County Clerk’s Office, 105 Third St., Troy, NY 12180 “Attention: Naturalization Records.”
New York Land Records
Searchable index of Rensselaer County land records (for a fee).
County Surrogate Court Office
Wills, legal documents, etc. after 1915 are available from the County Surrogate Court Office.
Albany County Hall of Records
Rensselaer County was founded in 1791, so records before 1791, if they exist, may be available through Albany County.