The Pruyn Collection of Albany History is the local history collection of the Albany Public Library. It is housed in the Albany History Room, which is opposite the Edgar Tompkins Memorial Computer Lab on the second floor of the Main Library. Albany’s long and fascinating history can be explored through books, pamphlets, clippings, newspapers, and photographs. The lives of citizens can be discovered through city directories, census records, and newspapers. While the primary focus of the collection is on the history of Albany City and County, there are also materials relating to other communities in the Capital District.
The Pruyn Collection Hours:
Monday*: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
*City Historian Tony Opalka is available Monday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact the Reference Desk for general information at 427-4303.
For more specialized assistance, contact Local History Librarian Ellen Gamache at 427-4327.
Pruyn Collection - A list of local history and genealogical materials available for use in the Albany History Room.
Online history & genealogy resources - Useful web links and research databases.
Finding Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
This app provides a map for a walking tour of Albany's amazing architecture and more than 100 historic photographs of Albany streets. Produced through the cooperation Troy Web Consulting and the Historic Albany Foundation.