Field Library: Local History

Peekskill Landing, Hudson River by F. Benjamin

The Field Library Local History Collection, the Colin T. Naylor, Jr. Archives, is a special collection of books and other materials which covers the history of Peekskill, Westchester County, New York State, and the American Revolution. Among the materials available are valuable local maps from the 1700’s to present, Peekskill newspapers (click link to open complete list) from the 1800’s to the current day, Peekskill telephone directories from 1860 on, and subject files (click link to open complete list) on topics such as local businesses and industries, organizations, buildings, and notable citizens.

We also have an outstanding indexed collection of over 700 original photographs, glass plate negatives, as well as contact prints from the Evening Star collection. Of great value to genealogists is an obituary index for people who died in Peekskill, the Couch genealogical files, and local cemetery records.

The Archives are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. If you are planning to travel a long distance, we encourage you to call ahead and schedule an appointment.

Out-of-state requests for research by mail can be provided at the cost of $10.00 for the first hour, and $5.00 for each additional hour. Photocopies are available at the cost of $1.00 for the first page, and $.25 for each additional page.

Please contact Bob Boyle (email rboyle@westchesterlibraries.org, Reference Librarian/Local History Specialist at (914)737-1212 for further assistance. To submit a genealogical or a subject request click here.

For information on ordering local history and other library merchandise, click here.