Our organization is a small volunteer-run group that has a limited amount of resources and funds. As a result we are not in a position to answer genealogical requests. We will place your letter in our family file for future reference. Please give us as much information as possible and be precise in telling us what you are looking for.

If you wish you may visit our library facility which is located on the second floor of the Port Jervis Free Library at 138 Pike Street, Port Jervis, New York. The collection is open to the public on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (open to the public) and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (by appointment only). Volunteers are available to answer questions and give general guidance. If you would like we can send you a copy of our gift shop sales listing or you can find it in our Gift Shop.

Genealogical research is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America. Since the airing of the movie, "Roots", millions have begun to search for their forebears. Most researchers conduct their genealogical queries by mail and many make contact with historical groups or government officials who have little time to conduct research.

For example, most researchers are looking for birth and death records that are usually located in village or town clerks' offices. Since the clerk's office is usually the busiest in local governments, queries are not answered immediately. In fact, most clerks answer letters on their own time.

In addition, local, county and regional historical societies many times operate only with volunteers who are at the archives several hours a week. These people are usually busy with their own research and probably trying to save local history as well.

In writing these officials consider their situations and do not become impatient with them. While your family research may be of great importance to you, it does not hold the same interest for those in far-off places. Try to give the person you are corresponding with as much information as possible to make their job easier. Also, consider making a donation to the organization. Some societies, charge a per-name, per-search fee to help cover the costs of research.

One may consider going to the historical or government agencies personally so that a thorough search can be made. Make an appointment in advance. If possible, describe the records you are most interested in seeing. Perhaps it is a birth record or, the minutes of meetings from a particular year. Be specific.

The most important thing to remember is that most research cannot be done quickly; it requires time and perseverance. Family researchers spend years collecting materials regarding their forebears and travel widely to get that information. If at all possible, visit the area you are researching. There is nothing as important as literally standing upon the ground where great-grandfather stood to understand the man and the period that he lived.

Also, to help our visitors with their genealogy research, we have a special topic called "Minisink Families" within our Minisink Forum. Please feel free to post questions and answers there, and be sure to spread the word about this special feature. The more people that we can get involved, the better the results will be!