Collections

William Abramowitz Hyman was born on July 29, 1893 in Baltimore. Hyman was a partner of Hyman & Harris and served as special deputy attorney general of New York under Governor Alfred E. Smith. Hyman is best known for his legal theories on the use of space which he propounded in his 1961 book, The Magna Carta of Space. This collection contains records relating to his career in law and politics.

The William Stiles Bennet Papers document some of his public service and political campaigns as well as his time as a lobbyist and advocate for the lumber industry.

The William Titus Papers contains a wide range of activities generally focusing on Titus' personal businesses including land ownership and his representation of clients before the US War Department's Pension Office. The collection also contains personal correspondence as well as some records from his role as warden of the Auburn Prison.

The collection documents the history of the YWCA of Albany, which was founded in 1888 by a group of women led by Mrs. Acors Rathbun in order to provide housing and recreational activities for young women searching for work. Through the years, the organization expanded to include classes, childcare, athletics, essay contests, teen issue programs, and an annual awards dinner honoring women. Strengths include the extensive photographic material and meeting minutes from the board of trustees and directors. The collection is weakest at the beginning and end of the YWCA of Albany's existence.