The Ulster County Clerk’s Office in Kingston, New York, has launched an online archive featuring the earliest colonial records of Ulster County. These records, known as the "Dutch Records," are now freely accessible online for the first time. The archive includes high-resolution scans of original documents, offering a comprehensive view of life in 17th-century Ulster County.

The records, which date back to 1658, cover the period up to 1683. They were initially written in an archaic form of Dutch and have been in the county's care since 1686. The collection includes minutes from the Court of Schout and Schepens, as well as the Secretary’s Papers, which document deeds, agreements, and other contracts among the inhabitants. These documents provide insights into the social and civic life of the time.

The Ulster County Clerk’s Office aims to encourage scholarly engagement with these records both nationally and internationally. The records were previously available only through published English translations or by visiting the clerk’s office. The new online archive represents a significant effort to preserve and share the county's documentary heritage.

Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck highlighted the importance of the Dutch records, stating, "Publishing them online represents the culmination of a long-standing effort spanning multiple administrations." The project was made possible with the help of the Southeastern New York Library Resource Council, which administers the New York Heritage digital library.

For those interested in exploring these historical documents, the Ulster County Clerk’s Office provides access through their website. Direct access to the Dutch records collection is available here.

Elvis Duran