I need to jump into this discussion, as I have also worked extensively with the St. Joseph's records, and Bernadette also told me that they were going to seal them at some point soon. There was a priest there who converted to Mormonism and apparently they just don't want to deal with the Mormons, which is too bad. Since I have been transcribing Catholic church records for the American Canadian Genealogy Society, I brought this issue up to them recently. The contact person in the Capital District was going to make an appointment to see the Priest. I was going to go along too, however, I am in the process of moving to MA at the end of Sept and am VERY busy. So, I haven't kept in touch, and I doubt that this has appointment taken place yet. I would very much like to see these records preserved. So, I will: 1. Contact the above mentioned person and see if he can speak to the Priest without me, and soon. (The Amer Canadian Gen Soc has been transcribing & computerizing records for Catholic churches throughout the Northeast, Canada, and has recently been working on Churches in the Capital District and Glens Falls etc..) 2. Speak with Bernadette and see if they would be willing to give some of the older records to the Renss. Co. Historical Society. At least there, they could be accessed in a controlled environment and be preserved. I am a regular at the Historical Society and know some of the staff there, especially the new Librarian. 3. I also think a letter to the Diocese and/or the Church would be a great idea. I can't take the time to originate this, but I would certainly endorse it, even after I move. Rebecca Rector Troy, NY <www rbinforesearch.com>