NYG&B Will Be Saying Goodbye to its Books

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society has been in turmoil for months. The society has sold its building for millions of dollars, fired its members (reportedly so that they can not interfere with the actions of the trustees) and is now about to get rid of its library.

The full story about the books reportedly is in the next issue of the society's newsletter, called "The Researcher." However, the story to be published there reportedly is not so "full."

Dick Hillenbrand has a report on his blog at http://ny-genes.blogspot.com/2007/09/nyg-society-will-be-saying-goodbye-to.html.

This story looks like it will not be over for a long time yet.

Comments

[Donna]

Is there anything the genealogical community can do? What about contacting the New York legislature, sending petitions, whatever -- please come forward with ideas.

[S. Bailey]

Isn't this a "non-profit" organization? And isn't it about time for some government intervention? Those trustees make a mockery of their title.

[homer]

I called the NYG & B library when this was posted on Hillenbrand's blog and the librarian told me it wasn't true. At the moment I don't know who to believe.

[Dino (All Dino, All the Time)]

So, once they've:
1. got rid of the building (done)
2. got rid of the members and oversight (done)
3. got rid of the library

Besides a few board members and a big chunk of cash, what's the next step?

4. get rid of cash
5. move to Bolivia

[Don]

I have to say after reading Hillenbrand's blog, he's either deliberatly lying or is trying to fan the flames of this situation. His comments about the "Historical Hudson Valley" society and their violation of law are not correct. That link shows details on how they are in violation of the BBB rules. They haven't broken any laws. The BBB is not law, it's just yet another organization which "sells" trust.

Also, I fail to see how moving the library to "Historic Hudson Valley" translates to them moving them to this other organization??

I myself don't have any facts in this case beyond what I've read here and the blog that links into this article, but it seems to me that it's VERY suspect and feels like a personal slam rather than truth...

[W. David Samuelsen]

What Waddell Stillman is doing, has the hallmarks of a corporate raider, considering that the society was CASH rich. What happened to the $$ from the sale of building? I don't seem to find the information on that.

As for Historic Hudson Valley, I checked the NY BBS site about that group - looks like Walter get over $280,000 per year for his salary. Doesn't it look like he is stuffing his bank account?

[Jo]

If this is true......it sounds very much like illegal activities in a non-profit organization.

[Barbara Parrish]

Why has no legal action been taken? I was not aware that by-laws could be changed without a vote by the members. There must be some obscure reason why a lawsuit has not been filed, the trustees do seem to have deep pockets.

[Dino (All Dino, All the Time)]

Barbara,

Action was taken by the members. The members voted to remove their member status, so that the only parties in a decision making role are the trustees.

Sorta bizarre, but that's what happened.

[xander]

Eastman & Hillenbrand GUILTY of 'National Enquirer' reporting.

What's up with this, Dick & Dick? First, Dick1 creates an attention-getting headline ("NYG&B Will Be Saying Goodbye to its Books"), then quantifies that bit of hard-hitting reporting with three "reportedly"s. (You might have at least varied that little tap-dance with a "maybe" or a "so I've been told", Dick1). Then you point us to the blog of Dick Hillenbrand who, in his first 75 words, says: "To tell you the truth, I do not know ...", then continues to expound for another 400+ words in a manner that clearly lets us know that he wants us to think that he DOES know. Dick2 tells us what we will and will not read in an upcoming issue of a newsletter, the advance copy of which he admits he has not seen. Dick2 presents a number of biased and undocumented opinions, all the while trying to whip is readers in to a frenzy to "Save the G&B".

Ah-ha! Something I can agree on. The G&B does indeed need saving - from say-anything-to-increase-readership tactics exhibited by both Mr. Eastman and Mr. Hillenbrand.

Care to try again, gentlemen - this time practicing a little old-school credible and trustworthy journalism?

[Oxa]

I agree with xander. Dick Hillenbrand's original blog on the matter was pure speculation. Giving his guesswork the aura of legitimacy with a title that is affirmative in its tone ("NYG&B *Will* Be Saying Goodbye to its Books") is irresponsible.

[Glen F. Pritchett]

NYG&B used to be a fantastic online resource. I was a member for about 6 years, but then subtle changes for the worse started to become apparent.

All those years NYG&B trumpeted their book/manuscript collection while solicting donations of same from all resources. This was, of course, in addition to seeking cash donations at least annually. I seem to recall they even announced how they were going to launch an ambitious project of scanning their substantial collection. Having myself a small library of genealogical materials I remember making a mental note that I should consider them as possible repository for my collection following my passing.

But bit by bit, things were changed online essentially creating less value. The census collection from Proquest HeritageQuest started to shrink. Ultimately Proquest was not renewed this Spring. Then came the truly sad news that InfoUSA was not going to be renewed either. Numerous reasons were given for the withdrawal of InfoUSA which in the end almost sounded as though they were disingenuous.

The bombshell of announcements was presented stating that the Trustees were looking at selling the building because they didn't have enough room to house the collections they had been amassing for decades from the 4 corners of the world!! Again, initially, all explanations seemed well thought out, plausible and reasonable. They had a potential buyer with the synagogue next door which needed more space. All members were assured any such sale had to meet the approval of some regulatory agency (Attorney General I think) and that by selling, it would enable NYG&B to relocate and acquire the space needed for the durable future.

It was shortly after that period that I chose not to renew. Seems as though in retrospect some other agenda may have been at work. No repository makes a decision to rid themselves of their collection of anything without great forethought.

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association is in the throes of a similar problem; namely where the members of that Association feel the incumbent Trustees have failed to comport themselves in the best interest of the Association. Subsequently, the Trustees have been sued. Perhaps the time has come for the disenfranchised members of NYG&B to get a good lawyer, contact the governmental agency that oversees non-profits and try to salvage a bad situation before it becomes irreversable.

I personally have since instructed my family to deliver my genealogical library to the Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake upon my death.

[Art H.]

Looks like NYG&BS is following in the footsteps of the NGS - sell the real estate & get rid of the library.

[Susan Pentico]

This is so sickening it surprises even me. I was about to join the society and was told they no longer accepting applications because of disbandment.
Yet the webpage still shows you can join. But what do you get: no access to the books, the facility that no longer exists, the disbanding of members so still no access to books. They have never reported what they are going to do or how to keep this open to the people whom helped create this orgainization.
Where is the money going? Why disband if you just need different space? It seems others have joined groups and moved books and there was hardly a few hiccups in process. This is sad sad sad. SusiCP

[Louise]

My age is showing. I vaguely remember something about NGS ridding itself of its library, or moving it. Please refresh me.

As to this newest matter, I'll just take a wait and see attitude for now.

[Holly Kilpatrick]

The New York Researcher which I just received does not say anything about dissolving or selling the library. In fact it talks about receiving additional materials from societies who have been sharing the library, such as the St. Nicholas Society of New York. Dick Hillenbrand's comment about moving to "Historic Hudson Valley" (if that is some organization) seems to have been purposely taken out of context. The Researcher discusses some of the factors in choosing a new location, accessibility being the main focus, and says, "Indeed some very plausible suggestions for a handsome and affordable place in the historic [NOT capitalized] Hudson Valley were made. Or, further afield, why not elsewhere in the state or the region." Then it continues, "We feel strongly that the G&B library should be at the crossroads of genealogical inquiry -- at a place where people will naturally and easily find our research resources, and Manhattan is that crossroads. We're distressed by the decline in library usage on 58th Street...For these reasons, greater accessibility and usage are emerging as priority goals as we seek to put our library fully in the mainstream of New York-related genealogical inquiry." I am afraid Dick Eastman's headline in this case may have been unnecessarily negative. Time will tell. As I understand it, this new governance is the same structure as NEHGS has, and they are still a fine organization.

I am just quoting a tiny portion of the long article from the Chairman of the Board. I think as genealogists we should try to obtain all the facts and reserve jumping to judgment unless based on fact.

[Holly Kilpatrick]

Just to add one more note, I would LOVE it if NYG&B moved up the Hudson to some "accessible" place that you could drive to on a pleasant drive, in your car, without paying an arm and a leg, and going into that expensive inconvenient dirty (they call it clean now, but believe me, it's only in comparison) claustrophobia-producing city! But I am afraid that won't happen.

[Joy Rich]

Holly, many people leave their cars at home and take trains or buses to New York City. You're losing access to a lot of excellent research venues and educational and cultural sites in the five boroughs by shunning our city.

And please don't insult my home!

Joy Rich
Brooklyn, NY

[Joy Rich]

Holly wrote "As I understand it, this new governance is the same structure as NEHGS has."

Holly, that's not correct. As Dick Eastman posted at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2007/07/nygb-proposes-t.html, "Unlike the NYG&B proposal, NEHGS gave voting rights to the 60 to 75 people who sit on the Board of Advisers. In turn, the Board of Advisers are the bosses of the smaller Board of Directors. The larger Board of Advisers set the operating guidelines and then the Board of Directors and the staff of employees handle the details in accordance with those guidelines. There is also a clearly-defined set of rules of how Board of Advisers members are selected, how long they serve on the Board, what privileges and responsibilities they have and more."

The members of the Board of Advisers are called Councilors. Their names are listed at http://www.newenglandancestors.org/about/volunteers/corporation_list.asp.

Joy Rich
Brooklyn, NY

[Joy Rich]

Periods got included in the two links I posted. The links are http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2007/07/nygb-proposes-t.html and http://www.newenglandancestors.org/about/volunteers/corporation_list.asp .

Joy Rich
Brooklyn, NY

[Joy Rich]

The new purpose of the NYG&BS, according to the letter in "The New York Researcher" by Waddell Stillman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, is this.

"Early this year the board of trustees restated the essence of our purpose: The mission of the Society is to advance genealogical scholarship and enhance the capabilities of both new and experienced researchers of family history, with emphasis on families and communities connected to New York City, State, and region."

The former purpose (my caps): "The objects for which the Society was and is formed are to DISCOVER, OBTAIN, PRESERVE, AND PERPETUATE whatever may relate to genealogy, biography, family history, and local history, particularly as they relate to the State of New York. As the primary means of accomplishing these objects the Society shall establish and maintain an educational program. This shall include producing a quarterly journal and other publications. THE SOCIETY SHALL ALSO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A RESEARCH LIBRARY."

Big difference!

[mary]

Had to reply to Holly's comments about "the city" Don't know when the last time she was there was but I spend time there every 5 weeks and I live in Buffalo, NY. NYC is a beautiful city and clean, unless you go to those neighborhoods you probably should not be in and there are not a lot of those. It is also one of the least expensive places to visit if you research where to go and where to eat. I can eat there cheaper than anywhere I have ever visited, lunch=grilled cheese,(your choice of any cheese you want) with ham and salad+ $3.75 at at nice restaurant in a really nice neighborhood!! Its true and I do it all the time! It is possible to go there by Amtrak, hop on the subway and not even view this "expensive dirty city" until you get within 1 1/2 blocks of the library (but be careful, that upper East Side is a filthy, sleazy place!) I use the G & B Library on a regular basis, more than most who live in the area. It is a perfect place to do research. It is possible to take the early train to Manhattan on a Thurs. morn.,(pack light, and its common to see someone pulling a piece of rolling luggage anyway) go to the NY Public Library (another great research place) or the National Archives) (both have lockers) in the morning, both easy to get to by subway and then to the G & B open on Thurs nites, (stop in between and grab a corner hotdog or shish-ka-bob for $3/4 with a "soda") Go to the G & B (New York Genealogical and Biographical Society)on Fri. and Sat. and head home Sat. aft. on Amtrak (or NJ Transit or whatever). Not every hotel in NYC is expensive and you don't have to stay in Midtown. So for a couple hundred dollars (train ticket from Buffalo with AAA discount $63 @ way) you have 3 full days (2 nights)of research at some of the top rated institutions in the world, (and I only named three of them!)what could be easier and less expensive than that!!! (you could even go with a friend and SHARE a cheap hotel room) and you are missing out if you don't. I can go on a pleasant drive at home, when I am on my way to do research I am in a hurry to get as much accomplished as I can in as short a time as possible. Hope I have given some of you ideas to show the G&B and "the City" are accessable to anyone easily, safely (and cleanly!) Go for it!!! (and while you are there visit Brooklyn!! it is one of the most fantastic places in the world!!!, the architecture, the people, the history! the restaurants (little inexpensive neighborhood kind) the cultures, (if you love genealogical research than you must like the various cultures of the world?! right?)its a city of "neighborhoods" and truly happy friendly people.) Mary B