The Vedder Research Library

05/20/2026

The library will be closed today, Wednesday, May 20. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will return to our regular hours on Saturday, May 23.

05/14/2026

Come out and see us this Sunday for the Bronck Museum's first event of the season! 🇺🇸

The Bronck Museum’s kickoff event of the 2026 summer season "Happy Birthday America," takes place on Sunday, May 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. We invite you to join us for a memorable and immersive celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary, a milestone that offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding and the people who shaped it.

The event features Revolutionary re-enactors, musical performances, a historical lecture by Greene County Historian Jonathan Palmer, the signing of Coxsackie’s “Declaration of Independence,” opening of the new exhibit “The Country Doctor on the Road,” and loads of opportunities to connect with the amazing history Greene County has to offer.

This special event welcomes the community to step back in time and experience history firsthand through engaging activities and dynamic live interpretation. Throughout the afternoon, costumed interpreters will bring the past to life, sharing stories, demonstrations, and insights that capture the spirit of the Revolutionary era. The stirring sounds of a traditional Fife & Drum Corps will fill the air, echoing the music that once inspired both soldiers and citizens during the fight for independence.

Perfect for visitors of all ages, this family-friendly event blends education, entertainment, and community spirit, creating an experience that is as meaningful as it is enjoyable. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to spend the afternoon, there will be something for everyone to discover.

Admission to this event is free. The Bronck Museum is located at 90 County Route 42, Coxsackie, NY. For additional information contact the Bronck Museum at (518) 731-6490 or visit gchistory.org. This event is made possible with funds from the Greene County Legislature through CREATE Council on the Arts.

04/21/2026

For more than 46 years, the Greene County Historical Society’s Tour of Homes has been a beloved annual tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the rich history and charm of our towns. The tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside remarkable examples of historic architecture, ranging from elegant Victorian-era homes to churches built as early as the 1830s; with our local homeowners generously allowing the public into their homes for this special event, all while taking in the stunning foliage that frames our communities.

This year’s Tour of Homes brings us to the Town of New Baltimore, a picturesque countryside community founded in 1811 along the Hudson River. Like many towns in Greene County, New Baltimore has long welcomed settlers and travelers, and its story is deeply woven into the broader history of the region.

The tour will be held on Saturday, June 6th from 10am – 4pm. Tour headquarters will be at the New Baltimore Town Hall located on County Route 51, approximately one mile west of Route 9W. At headquarters, tour tickets as well as those ordered in advance can be picked up. Box lunches will also be available for purchase while they last. The tour will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $30 the day of the tour and $25 in advance. Participants will receive a brochure with information about the sites along with a marked route map.

To reserve advance sale tickets visit gchistory.org/home-tour or send a check payable to GCHS to: Greene County Historical Society, P.O. Box 44, Coxsackie, NY 12051. The tickets will be available with your tour brochure on June 6th.

This is the Greene County Historical Society’s major fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale of tour tickets support the Society, the Bronck Museum and the Vedder Research Library. For more information contact Jennifer Barnhart at [email protected].

03/19/2026

From can’t-miss events to enriching experiences, this season is filled with moments you’ll love. Whether it’s “Happy Birthday America” or a charming Victorian tea party, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out!visit our website to see what’s coming up and start planning today! https://www.gchistory.org/events

03/02/2026

Reminder: Please be sure to book your research appointments in advance. 🗓️ Our librarian will be out this week due to illness, but we will do our best to accommodate appointments as we are able. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
vedderresearchlibrary.org/visit

02/27/2026

The Vedder Research Library will be closed Saturday, February 28 due to illness. We apologize for any inconvenience. To book a future research appointment, please visit:

Use this link to book a visit to consult our collections for local history and genealogy questions.

02/26/2026

To Frannie,
Think not, though distant that than art, thou canst forgotten be, while memory lives within my heart, I will remember the.

yours lovingly

Julia Celestine Powell.

Before summer break, we’d pass around yearbooks and scribble “Have a fun summer!” with little hearts and inside jokes.Even more meaningful, though, were friendship albums. These were essentially scrapbooks filled with heartfelt poems, thoughtful letters, sweet messages, and tiny drawings made just for one another. Classmates would take their time writing something personal,sometimes a short poem, sometimes a long note about their friendship.In the 1800s, friendship albums were especially popular and treasured as keepsakes. Long before social media or yearbooks with photos of one another, these albums were collections of friendships, carefully preserved to be read and reread for years to come.

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Manuscript volume #501: Friendship Album of Frannie G. Smith

02/16/2026

The Vedder Research Library will be closed on Tuesday, February 16. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you'd like to book a future appointment, please visit vedderresearchlibrary.org/visit
We will be back to our regular hours on Wednesday, February 17.

Use this link to book a visit to consult our collections for local history and genealogy questions.

02/12/2026

Valentine’s Day has long been a cherished tradition celebrated by people of all ages around the world. It’s a special occasion set aside to express heartfelt affection, appreciation, and unwavering love for those who matter most to us. Whether through handwritten notes, thoughtful gifts, or simple acts of kindness, the day invites us to pause and put our feelings into words.
I hope this vintage postcard from the early 1900s spark your imagination and inspire you as you write to your own valentine. May their timeless charm and sentimentality help you craft a message that feels both meaningful and memorable.

02/07/2026

Only 40 days until spring!! 🌼 But who's counting?
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From the Catskill General Photo Collection. From a series of photos relating to 130 William St. in Catskill.

02/03/2026

UPDATE 2/6/26: Our water is back in working order! 🙌 We will be back open for our usual hours tomorrow, Saturday, 2/7. Thank you to our volunteers (and their families) for braving the cold and getting us back up and running.

NOTICE: The Vedder Research Library is temporarily closed as of Tuesday, February 3, due to an interruption in our water supply. We won't be able to accept any appointments until the issue has been resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we get everything back up and running! We will post updates here as soon as we're able.