The Local History room houses materials documenting the history of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, and the surrounding Mid-Hudson Valley. This collection contains both published secondary source and unique primary source materials, dating from the late 1700’s to the present.
Resources that can be found in the Local History room include:
- Maps
- Correspondence
- Records of local civic, social & fraternal organizations
- Town & village histories
- Local government information
- Information on local public & private schools (current & defunct)
Most material in the Local History room can be searched via the online catalog, others through the use of specialized finding aids. Items in this collection do not circulate or leave the Local History room. Because many items are unique, fragile, and/or valuable, access to this collection is restricted. The Local History room is not staffed during all hours of operation, so it is strongly recommended that you call before making a visit, especially if you require specialized assistance.
Additional resources:
The Dutchess County Clerk Ancient Document Search allows you to explore digital images of 37,000 pages of eighteenth-century legal documents. These records comprise the oldest surviving manuscripts from the Dutchess County Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions, which began operation in 1721 through 1786 (document numbers 1-11400). These documents detail daily life in Dutchess County as seen through both civil and criminal cases that came before the judges and justices of the peace.