New York State Archives |

Does the NYSA have records on Yonkers?

Why yes we do! Our records document the functions & activities of state government, including its interactions with localities. Let's take a look at some of those activities from the perspective of Yonkers, NY!
Constructing the Thruway

Department of Transportation records include photographs of the NYS Thruway construction in and around Yonkers, including this fantastic image of a house being moved by Nicholas Bros. Building Movers, Yonkers, NY. in 1953.
Investigating Working Conditions

The Factory Investigating Commission evaluated working conditions in a variety of businesses, including the Waring Hat Manufacturing Co. in Yonkers, which the investigator found to be excessively humid and lacking proper ventilation.
Documenting Land Transactions

NYSA has property conveyance records dating back to the Dutch colonial period. This 1639 document focuses on the tract of land called Kekesick, which includes present day Yonkers. You can see the document & read its English translation in our Digital Collections.
Coordinating Veterans' Assistance

The Grand Army of the Republic was envisioned as a brotherhood of veterans helping veterans. Series B1706 documents the 600 posts established in NY, including Yonkers posts 60 & 590. You can browse a selection in our Digital Collections.
Managing the Utica State Asylum?

NY Archives Magazine presents the State's history as revealed by archival records. This article focuses on Yonkers resident James Silkman, his unjust commitment to the Utica Insane Asylum and his subsequent contribution to mental health reform.
Managing Lands Under Water

The Commissioners of the Land Office oversaw the granting or selling of State lands, including those under water! You can browse an index to find Yonkers based applicants like the Yonkers Gas & Light Co & view the incredible maps in our Digital Collections.
Aerial Surveys

The Fairchild Aerial Surveys present expansive views of a variety of New York State sites, including the Otis Elevator Company. The company was founded in Yonkers in 1853 and was a major contributor to the economy until it closed in 1981.
Documenting School Systems

The Saunders Trade School opened in 1909 as NY's first public trade school and is documented in the Education Dept. Historical sketches and photographs of school systems. The Saunders School still operates today and you can check them out on Twitter!
Bringing Yonkers to the Classroom

We work with New York teachers to develop standards-based learning activities using historical records. This image of students at the Fairview Garden School in Yonkers helps students consider the question, "How does culture influence a society's education system?"
Shaping Education Policy

A number of our records document NY's role in shaping federal education policy including the Gordon M. Ambach papers, which contain a group of files on Yonkers school desegregation. You can search our finding aids for more about Yonkers, NY!