The Capital District is home to a dense network of historical societies and preservation groups, ranging from large county-level museums to volunteer-run town associations.

Below is a list of key historical organizations in and around the region, organized by county.

Albany County

• Albany County Historical Association (Ten Broeck Mansion)

  • Focuses on the broader history of the county and maintains the historic Ten Broeck Mansion.

  • Website: albanycountyhistory.org

• Albany Institute of History & Art

  • One of the oldest museums in the U.S., focusing on the art, culture, and history of the Upper Hudson Valley.

  • Website: albanyinstitute.org

• Bethlehem Historical Association

  • Dedicated to the history of the Town of Bethlehem; currently active in major digitization efforts.

  • Website: bethlehemhistorical.org

• Colonie Historical Society

  • Preserves the heritage of the Town of Colonie and holds meetings at the William K. Sanford Library.

  • Website: townofcolonie.gov/departments/historian/historicalsociety/

• Historic Albany Foundation

  • A leading advocacy group for the preservation of historic architecture and the built environment in Albany.

  • Website: historic-albany.org

• Shaker Heritage Society

  • Located at the site of the first Shaker settlement in America (Watervliet Shaker Historic District).

  • Website: shakerheritage.org

Rensselaer County

• Hart Cluett Museum (Historic Rensselaer County)

  • The primary historical society for the county and the city of Troy, housed in the historic Hart-Cluett House.

  • Website: hartcluett.org

• Lansingburgh Historical Society

  • Focuses on the northernmost neighborhood of Troy, once a separate village.

  • Website: lansingburghhistoricalsociety.org

• Sand Lake Historical Society

  • Covers the history of Sand Lake, Averill Park, and West Sand Lake.

  • Website: sandlakehistory.org

Schenectady County

• Schenectady County Historical Society (SCHS)

  • Manages the Schenectady History Museum, the Grems-Doolittle Library, and the Mabee Farm Historic Site.

  • Website: schenectadyhistorical.org

• Glenville Historical Society

  • Preserves the records and artifacts of the Town of Glenville.

  • Website: glenvillehistoricalsociety.com

Saratoga County

• Saratoga County Historical Society (Brookside Museum)

  • The county’s central historical organization, located in Ballston Spa.

  • Website: brooksidemuseum.org

• Saratoga Springs History Museum

  • Located in the historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park.

  • Website: saratogahistory.org

• Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

  • Focuses specifically on the architectural heritage of the city.

  • Website: saratogapreservation.org

Regional & Specialized Groups

• New York State Museum

  • While a state institution, it holds vast collections specifically related to the Capital Region’s geology and history.

  • Website: nysm.nysed.gov

• Capital District Genealogical Society

  • A specialized group focusing on family history and archival research across the entire region.

  • Website: capitaldistrictgenealogical.org