Kevin Franklin, Town Historian
The historian takes the lead in identifying homes, buildings, structures and other sites in the community that should be preserved because of architectural, historical or archeological significance and their connections with historic persons and events. When placed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, plaques may be erected and the sites marked. The importance of such places should be safeguarded from highway construction, zoning changes or renewal projects. Information regarding the history of
the Town may be Primary sources of books, manuscripts, statements and records of individuals, local government, organizations, business concerns and institutions in the community including schools and churches all contain valuable material. Newspapers contain information of all aspects of community life. Sources of information are identified as to origin and place or persons from whom it was obtained if possible. Publication of books, booklets and preparation of exhibits are valuable for presenting the above materials to the public. The historian works in conjunction with the local Historical Society, The Pruyn House Cultural Center, the Library and other Town departments and organizations dealing with Town history, including the schools. The historian makes an annual report to the appointing officers about the work accomplished during the preceding year. Annual Reports also go to the State Historian's office and to the County Historian, with whom they cooperate.
How did the Town get its name? What are the Hamlets and Villages
in the Town of Colonie? What is the population of Colonie? What properties have been placed on
the New York State and the National Registers of Historic Places
and why? 1973 - Watervliet Shaker Historic District 1974 - Newtonville Post Office (old Baptist Church) 1974 - Schuyler Flatts (archeological site)- In 1994 was also named National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior. 1979 - Albany Rural Cemetery 1979 - Loudon Road Historic District
1979 - Loudon Road, Route 9, Multiple
Resource District. 1980 - Sage Estate (Albany International) 1985 - Town of Colonie Multiple Resource
District Also included in the 1985 listing on the Registers
is the Casparus Pruyn House at 207 Old Niskayuna
Road. Acquired by the Town of Colonie in 1982 and restored and in use
as a Cultural and Historical Center for the Town, the Pruyn House is
now under the management of the Friends of Pruyn House, a non-profit
organization. In 1988 the Buhrmaster Barn was moved from its previous
site on Troy-Schenectady Road to the grounds of Pruyn House and is being
used for summer concerts, wedding receptions, picnics and other events.
An herb garden was planted at the rear of the house by the Blue Creek
Garden Club in 1985 and a cutting flower garden added by the Fort Orange
Garden Club in 1988. The Verdoy School House was moved from Troy-Schenectady
Road in 1995 to commemorate the Centennial of the Town of Colonie and
is used for programs, school related events and exhibits.
Mail Phone E-Mail
Monday - Friday 8:45am - 2:45pm
URL: http://www.colonie.org/historian |
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obtained in many
ways. Gravestone inscriptions from early family cemeteries, show
family relationships and supply information about life span and
birth and death rates. Verbal and oral history are important
as source materials. Photos also supply important views of the
past. Maps show the location of the Community and help illustrate
changes and development of the area as well as artifacts which
show how people lived, worked, traveled and worshipped.
