Hi Marilyn: Here is some further information on the NYS Archives and Library which may help you (and others) when you visit. 1. The Library is on the 7th Floor of the Education Building. You will find state and federal census records, city directories from major cities across the US and shelves of reference books arranged by counties. Many of the newspapers published in New York State over the years are available on microfilm. Walk around the floor and see what is available. One section of shelving has large oversize boxes full of interesting items. Inside each box will be large envelopes with a list of the contents. One envelope I looked in had a letter from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany listing the dates that every Catholic Church in the Diocese opened. 2. The Archives are on the 11th floor. You have to sign in and show some sort of identification. Lockers are available outside the room since you cannot bring in coats, pocketbooks, briefcases, three ring binders, etc. Microfiche records of births, deaths and marriages are available for most of the State. New York City (and a few other locations) are not included in the microfiche records which start about 1880. If you are looking for a World War I Record, staff there can check in a location not open to the public and give you a copy of the index card record if they have it. 3. Whenever I am at the archives I have lunch on the second floor of the building which has a small lunch room. It's quick to get to and then I am able to get right back to my research. Hope this information is of use. Regards, Bill McGrath Clifton Park, NY > From: MJSTERN46@aol.com > To: GEN-NYS-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Preparation for Albany research later this month >