Series Description:  This collection, originally stored in City Hall, was transferred to the custody of the State Regents in 1911. This transfer was prompted by an 1880 City Hall fire that destroyed numerous valuable documents. The collection, which is comprised of 300 cubic feet of Albany County records and 65 cubic feet of Albany City records, was transferred from the State Archives and Records Administration (S.A.R.A.) to the custody of the city and county of Albany after their archives were established.The records within the Constitutional Era provide evidence of an expanding city with growing needs. The record group includes deeds, leases, land patents, election records, assessment rolls, Alms House records, laws and resolutions of the Common Council, Chamberlain accounts, and other records relating to the functions of city government.

Albany City Records. 1726-1895. 47 file boxes.

Common Council Records

Common Council Records. (1783-1815). Box

Common Council Minutes. 1723-1817. (16 volumes).

The minutes of the Albany Common Council provide the names of those present, the date, and a description of the issues discussed.

Chamberlain's Records. (1783-1815). The Chamberlain or treasurer was elected by the members of the city corporation. The Chamberlain received and disbursed all moneys raised by tax in the city. This included such duties as collection of all assessments, apportionments, and rents and also the disbursement of salaries and payment of corporation expenses. Today, the responsibilities of the city treasurer have changed little and include collection,custody and deposit of all taxes and other city funds. The treasurer's office annually processes the billing and collection of property and other tax accounts.

Chamberlain Records

Alms House Accounts 2,5,(45,46,48-51)

CITY ENGINEER MAPS

Location: Albany County Hall of Records