Harry Bradshaw Matthews recently learned his latest edition of a genealogy research book has joined the permanent collection of the Library of Congress.
The Library of Congress had 134,517,714 items in its collection and had a permanent staff of 3,783 employees at the end of 2006.
Matthews' own library is a little smaller, but his collection is no less impressive.
I spoke with Matthews in his office at Hartwick College on the selection of his book "African American Genealogical Research: How to Trace Your Family History."
When you walk into the associate dean's office in Bresee Hall, the first thing you notice are the books. From floor to ceiling, tomes of all sorts line the shelves.
There are also vintage photographs mostly depicting young African-American men in military uniforms, paintings and reams of documents including military rosters and records stretching back centuries.
Matthews is the president and executive director of the United States Colored Troops Institute based at Hartwick College.
Organized Oct. 10, 1988, with the official title of the United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research, the institute had more than 130 members last year, according to the website.
Notable past members include retired general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
The Matthews Collection at USCTI includes rare, first-edition books on the abolition movement, as well as original works by institute members.
The website of the institute is http://info.hartwick.edu/usct/usct.htm.
When my grandfather died nearly two years ago, he left behind a small box of pictures, letters and other memorabilia including his Bronze Star and other medals from when he was a soldier in the Philippines during World War II.
Matthews said these sorts of boxes that families inherit as veterans pass away are treasure troves for future generations.
I know my grandfather's box is a treasure for my family.
He also recommended that before any such boxes are donated to museums or history centers, they be thoroughly examined for items that may have special historical value.
The reason, he said, is the memorabilia often end on a shelf, never to be viewed.
It may be better to keep them in the family, he said.
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Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway Committee members said they hope to develop a trail that runs next to the Millrace in Neahwa Park into a component of the Greenway.
Greenway organizer Donna Vogler said in letter to the city Parks and Recreation Commission that the group is seeking the city's help in placing 15 to 20 concrete parking barriers to block off the trail from a parking lot near Damaschke Field. The blocks would also serve to prevent vehicles from driving down the trail.
The Greenway is envisioned to run about six miles from Susquehanna River Park at the Silas Lane Municipal Complex to Fortin Park in the town of Oneonta.
The trail is being built in stages by volunteers over a period of several years.
The Greenway Committee is hoping to pave portions of the trail to make them compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, Vogler said, and the Millrace section may be an ideal place to do this.
The group is also hoping to place signs on the Millrace trail that are consistent with ones along the completed portion of the trail in Susquehanna River Park.
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Staff Writer Jake Palmateer covers Oneonta City Hall and police and fire departments.
