If you've tried to do research north of Yonkers, you might have felt lost among the mountains and rivers that beckoned settlers to come to other parts of the Empire State.

Many records of those people are found in the NYS Library & Archives in Albany -- census records, for example.

Many more, unique records, are found in the courthouses where they lived, records that can only be found by casting your eyes on the land records and probate files that hold answers to a genealogist's questions.

If you can't be there yourself, let me be your feet and your eyes. I'll go there and I'll dig.

If you need to hire a knowledgeable researcher in New York State records or the Hudson and Mohawk Valley areas, please contact me and ask about my rates. Go ahead and tell me your progress in the search. Then we can brainstorm a plan of attack before starting on your project -- and asking for a check.

Please contact Nancy with your questions at