New York State Education Department Division of Archives and History Biographical Sketches of Prominent Individuals

Arranged roughly by county in which the subject of the sketch is located, and by municipality therein.

The Citizens Historical Association, a non-profit corporation chartered by the State of Indiana, was created in 1933. Among the corporation's goals was to "prepare in manuscript form factual sketches, without laudation or editorial comment, regarding people, institutions and events in the various counties of the nation." Upon completion, these sketches were to be filed in the principal libraries of the counties from which the subjects originated, in the state departments of history of the states from which they originated, and in the central files of the association itself. Copies of sketches pertaining to New York subjects were deposited with the State Division of Archives and History.

This series consists predominantly of brief biographical sketches of prominent individuals in communities across New York State. A few scattered sketches pertain to leading institutions and businesses. The sketches are not limited to famous individuals, but rather document communities much more broadly. Taken together, the sketches form a "who's who" of cities and towns throughout the state.

The sketches contain genealogical information on the families of subjects and biographical data on the subjects themselves. Biographical information includes name of subject, place of business (unless self-employed), address of business, date and place of birth, marital status, number and names of children, educational background, and employment history. Personal information, such as political affiliation or party membership, religious affiliation, and membership in clubs, fraternal organizations, and associations is also included.

Upon transfer from the State Library, this series was accessioned as having been created by the State Historical Records Survey. Upon closer examination, the records were found to have been created by the Citizens Historical Association, a non-profit corporation chartered by the State of Indiana. The records were forwarded by the corporation to the State Division of Archives and History.

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