To all aspiring history and historical fiction writers: Thanks to the New York State Newspaper Project, many, many New York State newspapers, dating from 1725, are now available on microfilm. And, maybe even more important, all microfilmed newspapers in the New York State Library's collection may be borrowed through interlibrary loan for use at your own public library. (Just go to your public library and talk with your librarian.) Microfilmed newspapers not in the State Library's collection may or may not be available through interlibrary loan. (Some communities consider them such a valuable part of their history, they will not lend them.) To see what is available, go to the State Library's Website - www.nysl.nysed.gov - and click on the New York State Newspaper Project link. On the next screen, click on the Borrowing, Purchasing and Donating Microfilm link. On the next screen click on either the NYS Newspapers on Microfilm at the New York State Library or on the NYS Newspapers on Microfilm at Other Locations in New York State. Either of these links will bring you to a county list. (If you don't know the county in which the community you are interested in is located, click on the City Listing ... link.) If you have any questions related to microfilmed newspapers or the NYS Newspaper Project, feel free to contact me at [log in to unmask] And, finally, when you publish, the State Library would love to be able to add your book to its extensive local history collection! Good luck! Vicki Weiss, Librarian >>> [log in to unmask] 12/29/03 03:09PM >>> Good afternoon. I have a couple of related questions for the list: 1. Were obituaries of "regular" people - ie, not public figures - routinely published in Albany newspapers between the years of 1800 and 1820? 2. If so, what newspaper relating to Albany and/or the Town of Bethlehem might have published such an obituary during that time period? 3. Where might that newspaper be archived? Any help in answering the above questions would be greatly appreciated. Susan D. Rosenberg, MD Delmar, NY aspiring author of historical fiction