Washington County, NY Archives - Stories From The Vault

05/06/2026

Hi everyone! I’m excited to officially introduce myself (Shelby) as the new Washington County Archivist. Some of you may already know me from my previous role as the Archive Clerk, and after our prior archivist left, I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this position.

I’m looking forward to continuing to preserve and share the history of our community through the archives collection. I’d also love to hear from you—what kinds of archival materials, records, or historical content would you be interested in seeing featured on here? If it’s something I’m able to share, I’d love to post more of what the community wants to see.

Feel free to leave suggestions in the comments!📚

Contact Information:
📞Phone: (518) 746-2136
⏰Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

04/29/2026

❓Thinking About Donating Items to the Archives?

✨Did you Know the Archives Accepts More Than Just “Old Papers”?

We can collect photographs, letters, diaries, yearbooks, maps, business records, programs, and more! Anything that contributes to the story of our community.

✨Why Donate?

Items donated to the Archives are preserved in a climate-controlled environment, carefully cared for, and made available to other members of our community! The history you are holding onto may be just as valuable to someone else’s history.

✨Not Sure If Something Qualifies?

That’s okay! Not everything needs to be rare, famous, or centuries old to be historically valuable! If an item documents life, work, events, or people connected to our county, we’re happy to take a look.

⚠️A Quick Note on Condition:

For preservation and staff safety reasons, we are unable to accept items with mold or active mildew. If you’re unsure about an item’s condition, please reach out to us! We will be happy to advise!

✨Not Ready to Part with The Originals?

We may be able to accept digital copies or scan items and return them to you! We will take your donations in a scanned copy or physical!

If you’re cleaning out your attic, going through family papers, or downsizing you may come across something more valuable than you think!

📬Have Questions or Items You’d Like Us to Review?

Send us a message or contact the Archives directly- we are always happy to help!

(518)- 746-2136

04/23/2026

The answer is....🥁

Greenwich!!

Lots of you got it!

Thanks for playing along!

Where in Washington County is this?🔍:

We have this detailed illustration hanging in the Archives, but we want to put your local knowledge to the test- what do you think this overview is showing?

Any guesses on the location? Drop them in the comments below!

Stay tuned, I will reveal the answer tomorrow!

04/22/2026

Where in Washington County is this?🔍:

We have this detailed illustration hanging in the Archives, but we want to put your local knowledge to the test- what do you think this overview is showing?

Any guesses on the location? Drop them in the comments below!

Stay tuned, I will reveal the answer tomorrow!

04/08/2026

Archives Research Request FAQs:

Q: Where is the Archives located?

A: In the basement of building A at the Washington County Municipal Center, 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY.

Q: What Records do you have?

A: The Archives holds materials from County Records, Departments, and Offices. Visitors have access to databases and finding aids to help with research.

Q: How do I request a records search?

A: Mail us:
• A non-refundable $20 check or money order made payable to the Washington County Clerk
• A letter with details about the person, family, or subject you’re researching, and what information you’re seeking.

Q: Where do I send requests?

A: Send to:
Washington County Clerk’s Office
Attn: County Archivist
Washington County Municipal Center
383 Broadway, Bldg A
Fort Edward, NY 12828

Q: What will I receive?

A: You’ll get a report of your findings. If you wish to request a copy of our findings there will be a fee of $1.30 per page.

Your history is our history! Stay connected- give us a follow

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04/03/2026

04/01/2026

We would like to send a heartfelt goodbye to our County Archivist Grace Peck, as she wraps up two incredible years with us.

Grace brought not only knowledge and dedication, but genuine care to our Archives. Because of her hard work, the Archives have grown in so many ways. Her impact will truly be felt for years to come, and she will be deeply missed.

Beyond her work here, Grace is also an incredibly talented artist. You can find her work on Instagram . The drawing below was created as a thoughtful parting gift for our County Clerk, Lisa Boyce.

We wish Grace nothing but the best in this next chapter and hope you’ll join us in sharing your well wishes in the comments.💛

03/25/2026

Newspapers From Washington County’s Past📰:

This week we are looking at pages from the Sandy-Hill Herald, released March 27th, 1838. From poetry like “The Broken Heart” to advertisements for blacksmithing, and an elixir that is said to cure just about anything - these newspapers give us a window into daily life nearly 200 years ago.

It’s a mix of storytelling, local business, and 19th century marketing. Would you like to see more clippings from the Sandy-Hill Herald in future posts? We have multiple issues on microfilm!

Let us know in the comments!