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Calendar of Upcoming Genealogy Related Events

Some events are sponsored by CDGS and are so identified. Other events are sponsored by other organizations. (Click on the Calendar Image)

To register for this months presentation you must be logged into your CDGS account. Click on the blue button to log in.
It's 2024 and we have a great lineup of programs lined up. Go to the Meetings tab to learn about this year's presentations.

Special Interest Groups


Everyone who is interested in family history is not necessarily interested in the same subject area or skillset. With that in mind CDGS sponsors three Special Interest Groups. Opportunities for members to delve into their family history in a smaller group setting. 

  • Writers' Workshop - led by retired English Professor Paul Lamar. Participants refine how to express their thoughts and research in a written format. There is a $35 surcharge for participation in this group.  A new five meeting session starts in September, registration opens on August 1. 
  • French/French Canadian Research - This is a newly forming group who will share sources, tips, tricks, etc. to improve reseach of their French or French Canadian ancestors. There is no charge for paricipation in this group.
  • Jewish Genealogy - This group  will focus on finding those elusive Jewish ancestors. There may also be opportunities to volunteer in Jewish Cemetery clean up. There is no charge for participation in this group.


If you are interested in any of these groups email contactcdgs@cdgsny.org

This presentation will comprise two separate talks.


The Archaeology and Genealogy of Two Rensselaerswyck Tenant Farmhouse Sites in Albany and Rensselaer Counties - Paul Huey


Careful genealogical research was necessary for the correct identification and interpretation of the physical and archaeological evidence at two historic sites that were the homes of tenant farmers in the Manor of Rensselaerswyck in the 18th century. Archaeological excavations have occurred at both sites. One site, where the house is still standing, is the Vandenburgh-Mark house in the Town of Colonie, Albany County. The other site is the Martin Gehler, Jr., site in the Town of Schodack, Rensselaer County. The Gehler site is now occupied by a Stewart’s convenience store and gas station. Analysis of Van Rensselaer Manor leases and maps clarified the evidence from artifacts.



Passing Down the Land: Archaeology, Genealogy, and Rural African American Families in the Capital Region – Michael Lucas


John and Lucretia Jackson of Becker’s Corner south of Albany, and Thomas and Elizabeth Powell of Boght Corners to the north of the city, were two of the first African American coup. Genealogical and archaeological research is crucial to understanding the imles to purchase land during the early 19th century. Descendants of the founding Jackson and the Powell families held on to this land into the 20th centuryportance of land to family legacies and long-term neighborhood continuity. The historical trajectories of the Jackson and Powell families are presented as examples of the importance of land and place.

September 28, 2024

1  pm ET

We are meeting in-person at the NYS Museum. We are also live streaming the meeting on Zoom

The Museum is in the Cultural Education Building, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230.

The presentations will happen in the 1st Floor Auditorium (on your right as you enter the building.

Parking is available in the NYS Library lot next to the building. There is also on-street parking and parking in the visitor lot below the Concourse building across the street.

October 26, 2024
1 PM ET


Adding Spreadsheets To Your Genealogical Toolkit

Jill Crandall

Too often family historians settle for using their computers merely to locate and store data. More power lies at your fingertips. This presentation will demonstrate the invaluable use of Microsoft Excel® in assisting genealogical researchers. Learn to analyze and manipulate data like never before.