MADISON COUNTY HISTORIAN

What does the historian do?

According to New York State Statue each municipality is responsible to appoint a local historian.  Historian's work falls into four categories:

1.) Research and Writing
2.) Teaching and Public Presentations
3.) Historic Preservation
4.) Organization, Advocacy and Tourism Promotion

In Madison County the historian maintains a regular column in a number of local newspapers including the Cazenovia Republican, Madison County Courier and the Oneida Dispatch.  Matt maintains office hours during the week (see listing) in the County Clerk's office and assists in archival document preservation.  He is part of the team that created and currently maintains the index lists that are visible on this website and assists local researchers, (as well as those from outside the area, who are encouraged to fill out the form found here  and mail in requests).  Matt presents to local community and historical groups, museums, schools and private organizations on local history upon request.  Additionally the historian organizes and hosts special events, including NYS Archives classes for local institutions twice a year and in October he coordinates Madison County's annual Archives Day, which celebrates documents stored in the Madison County Archives.  The historian also actively collects documents pertaining to the county's history for future use.  For more information, please feel free to contact the county historian at any time by phone or email.

Address
138 N. Court St. Bldg 4
Wampsville, NY 13163

Phone
315-366-2453

Email
matthew.urtz@madisoncounty.ny.gov

Office Hours
Monday & Thursday 9-2*
Wednesday 12-5*

*Please note, it is always wise to contact the historian prior to your visit, as speaking engagements and special events change his office hours occasionally. If you are looking for specific research materials, advance notice allows him to pull any items you need  prior to your arrival.  This will allow ample time to gather materials pertinent to your research.