Town Historian

Town Historian
Dennis Barber
518.860.7861 
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The town historian is appointed by law for municipalities throughout New York State. She contributes a historical perspective to the programs and activities of the agencies of the town, and she also provides advice and assistance to residents of the community. The historian serves as the chief history agent in the community to preserve and interpret the community's heritage, and to make all residents appreciate their rich and diverse heritage.

The town historian's roles are to:
  • assist in researching town records related to the history of the town
  • educate the public about the town’s history and records
  • advocate for historic preservation
  • serve as a resource to the Town Board on questions relating to history and preservation 
  • advocate for and organize to promote Heritage Tourism by commemoration of historical anniversaries, participation in other civic or patriotic observations, and other activities.
The town historian is available for these purposes, but she does not do historical or genealogical research for individuals. 

The town historian oversees the preservation and interpretation of the town's local history collection and heritage.  The history collection consists of public and private manuscripts and records relating to the history of the town. The historian's office is also a depository for photos, maps, diaries, and books relating to the community and its residents. She cooperates with the Historical Society,  which is the custodian for the local collection of historical artifacts.
Publications focused on local History

History of a One-Room Schoolhouse in Knox, NY, by Daniel A. Driscoll, 2014

Knox, New York 1822-1972 Sesquicentennial, Special Reissue by the Knox Historical Society, 2014.
Berne and Knox, Our German Heritage by Harold H. Miller, 2013

Berne and Knox, Early Families Through 1787 by Harold H. Miller, 2015

Our Heritage, History of the Town of Berne by Town of Berne Bicentennial Commission, 2013

Helderberg Hilltowns, by John K. Elberfeld and Jane B. McLean, 2012. This book is part of Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series.

Knox, New York 1822-1972 Sesquicentennial, 1972.

Tin Horns and Calico, by Henry Christman, 1945.

Indian Ladder: A History of Life in the Helderbergs by Gary L. Donhardt, Ph.D 

Historical website pages for the four Hilltowns have been created by and are maintained by others. 

http://albanyhilltowns.com/wikiHilltowns/index.php?title=Main_Page  

http://albanyhilltowns.com/wikiKnox/index.php?title=History