The Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection is the non-circulating research section of the Elting Memorial Library. Considered the best genealogical and local history collection in the Mid-Hudson Valley, it is a repository for primary source material and published works relating to the Hudson Valley. Its strongest focus is on the town and village of New Paltz.

Computer and on-line services: Public computer for genealogical purposes. Access to online subscription data bases and websites including Ancestry.com.

LDS Library Microfilm access: For a nominal fee, microfilms from the Mormon Library in Salt Lake City can be ordered and viewed on our microfilm reader/printer.     

Church, Cemetery & Bible Records: Extensive collection of indexed Hudson Valley records including the counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Greene, Columbia, Putnam and Sullivan. Miscellaneous records from other   New York State Counties.

 
Maps & Directories: Extensive map and atlas collection including many 1st edition county atlases & wall maps done during the 19th century. Directories of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster Counties.

Obituaries, Births, and Marriage Announcements: Clipped from New Paltz newspapers, 1860 forward. Fully indexed.

Census Records: U. S. Federal Census (1800-1930) on microfilm for selected New York State counties. N.Y. State Census (1845-1925) for selected counties. Some indexes available.

Genealogies: Published and unpublished material with concentration on Hudson Valley families.

Vertical Files & Special Subject Files: Newspaper clippings and ephemera related to local people, businesses, schools, churches and organizations.

House & Building Books: Extensive collection of materials relating to the history and architecture of the houses, farms and commercial buildings within the Town of New Paltz.

Newspapers: New Paltz newspapers (1860-forward) on microfilm.

Periodicals, magazines, newsletters and yearbooks: Published periodicals from several genealogical & historical societies; Locally published magazines; Newsletters from many organizations and civic groups; Yearbooks from the New Paltz Central School District, The New Paltz Normal School, The College at New Paltz and SUNY New Paltz.  

Photographs, Slides, & Postcards: Thousands of images dating from the late 19th century of residential, commercial, educational, religious and institutional buildings. Also, portraiture and family snapshots, community gatherings, recreation, transportation, the Hudson and Wallkill Rivers, the Mohonk and Minnewaska Mountain Houses, and the Catskill Aqueduct.

Miscellaneous genealogical information: Biographical information on approximately 2,000 New York State families.

Special Collections: Account books, invoices, and business ledgers from the Minnewaska Hotels; The Pine Funeral Home Records, Civil War letters, deeds, diaries, Family papers, Records of local clubs and organizations.

Hudson River Valley Heritage: A free digital, accessible, searchable online resource of the Hudson Valley region. Rich in facts, photos, letters, diaries, manuscripts, memorabilia, maps, ephemera, audio and video clips, postcards and more from the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection and other historical societies, libraries, museums in the Hudson Valley.  Visit www.hrvh.org.