New York: Old Records Division treasures, Feb. 21

New York City's Division of Old Records holds many important genealogical records.

Joseph Van Nostrand, of the New York County Clerk's office, will demonstrate what researchers can find in division records at the next Jewish Genealogical Society of New York meeting on Sunday, February 21.

“Treasure Hunt at the Division of Old Records” begins at 2pm at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan. See the JGSNY website for address, directions and more information.

His talk will cover the use and interrelationship of various record series at the Division, for use in genealogy. It will include information in New York County naturalizations (1792-1924) with emphasis on records before and after 1895.

Additionally, the census records for 1855, 1870, 1905, 1915 and 1925 and the diverse data and access will be explored. He'll also address business records, civil court proceedings and more. Court proceedings cover divorces, guardianships, name changes, foreclosures and other tort actions.

Van Nostrand has been the supervising archivist at the Division of Old Records of the New York County Clerk for almost 30 years. He earned a BA (History) from Fordham University and an MA (American History) from NYU.

He's a trustee and officer for two non-profit corporations concerned with the preservation and use of historical records.

Since the inception of the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund by the New York State Archives, he has successfully written grants for over $1 million for the conservation treatment of colonial and early national court minute books, microfilming and scanning of court records, and the creation of database indexes to search pre-1911 court records by both plaintiff and defendant.

In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the 2009 Bernard B. Botein Award for "outstanding contributions to the administration of the courts," by the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division.

The Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute at CJH will be open 12.30-1.45pm for networking.

For more information, visit the Jewish Genealogical Society of New York.