Files of the Board/Committee on Geographic Names

The files in box 1 are loosely arranged alphabetically by geographic name; those in box 2 are arranged by geographic name, administrative subject (e.g. rules and regulations, membership, organization, etc.), or in reverse chronological order.

The New York State Board of Geographic Names was established in 1913 with three members appointed by the governor plus the commissioner of education and state geologist as ex officio members.

Its duties were to 1) determine and establish the correct historical and etymological form of place names, 2) determine the form and property of new place names requiring Committee approval, and 3) cooperate with the U.S. Post Office Department to establish correct form for post office designations. In 1923 the existing board was established and its powers transferred to the Board of Regents (Chapter 302). That year the Regents appointed a Committee on Geographic Names. In 1962 the Rules of the Board of Regents were amended to delegate committee appointments to the Commissioner of Education, and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education were amended to outline principles and procedures to be followed in selecting and investigating place names.

Correspondence, memoranda, and occasional reports and copies of maps received or sent by the Committee on Geographic Names (formerly Board of Geographical Names) relating to the designation of or changes in the official names of physical features, political subdivisions, and other places in the state.

These records contain information concerning: requests from individuals or organizations for changes in or establishment of place names; local support for or against name changes; historical background of existing and proposed place names; board or committee member's approval or disapproval of proposed names; United States Board of Geographical Names requests for information and decisions regarding place names; and background, functioning, and membership on the state board or committee.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.