As far as I know, the J. C. Hartman Files at the NYGBS, are still accessible. My inquiry to them last year was not answered personally (except for a brief penned note from Joy Rich, Director of the Library), but they did send several 'form' replies which I summarized in my message of 11/17/96 and will highlight here. The note said "The material in unindexed. Our Record Search Service volunteers can do a search for you if you become a NYGBS member". From the forms, . . . "Manuscript, microfilm, microfiche, floppy disk, and CD-ROM collections: These can be used in the library by members of the Society or can be accessed for them through Record Search Service". Reading further, . . "a member would qualify for a "one-hour Record Search Service" for a fee of $15, payable in advance. Photocopies are .35 each and the limit on copies from a "manuscript storage box" is 10 copies. A manuscript file folder or a book in a manuscript collection, has a limit of 5 photocopies. . .Once we have made those 10 (or those 5) photocopies for you from a particular book, periodical, or manuscript item, we cannot make additional photocopies from it for you in the future. . . .Please allow up to six weeks for a response, particularly around the holidays and during the summer". The wording here suggests that the above copying regulations apply only to written requests for service and not for "in-person" use but this should be investigated. An individual, out-of-town membership in NYGBS is $50 Their address: 122 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10022-1939 Tel. 212-755-8532. This is another trip I have wanted to make but have not been able to schedule. If any of you are considereing a visit to NYGBS, please keep me informed. It is only 200+ miles from here but has been 'out of my range' this year. I look forward to '98; when I am giving up two major responsibilities with our local genealogical society to have more time for personal research and nurturing the BLANCHARD-L. Holiday Greetings to all and Best Wishes for the New Year. Fletch