The New York State Historical Association was founded in 1899 by New Yorkers who were interested in promoting greater knowledge of the early history of the state. They hoped to encourage original research, to educate general audiences by means of lectures and publications, to mark places of historic interest with tablets or signs, and to start a library and museum to hold ,manuscripts, paintings, and objects associated with the history of the state. Since its founding, the Research Library’s collections have grown to include more than 95,000 volumes specializing in 19th century American and New York State history and culture, American art history, and Native American art.
Smith and Telfer Photographs
The online Smith and Telfer photographic collection shows 300 of 500 printed images from a collection of over 53,750 glass plate negatives. The photographic work of Washington G. Smith (1828-1893) and Arthur J. Telfer (1859-1954) documents life in Otsego County, New York, for almost a century.
NYS Historical Assoc. - Smith & Telfer Photographs 
