Rich Histories

 

The member counties of the New York State Association of Counties have played roles in the French and Indian and the Revolutionary wars. We’ve led the nation in agriculture and manufacturing. Our waterways opened the way for travel and commerce to the west, and the counties along the Hudson and Mohawk rivers and the Erie Canal were critical to the strength and growth of New York State.

Links to individual websites for New York's counties can be found to the right.

The Origins of New York State's County Names

Sketches of New York State’s colorful early history are wrapped up in the everyday words that name our 62 counties. They recall the Indians, the English and Dutch colonists, heroes of the Revolutionary War years, Presidents and early politicians – and the inventor of the steamboat. The derivations of how the counties got their names was compiled by state historians, and used to appear in New York’s Legislative Manual.

County Web Sites

• Links to Member County Web Sites
• County Courthouse Images

Counties Making a Difference

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Through their membership in NYSAC, New York's counties have come together to support several important causes. More information about these causes can be found below.

Counties Promote Organ Donation -  Spring 2013

Counties across NYS are adopting resolutions recognizing and supporting National Donate Life Month. Under the direction of President Ed Diana (who is waiting for a liver donation), counties are encouraging residents to register as organ donors.

Becoming a registered organ donor in New York State is easy and can be done online. Visit the New York Organ Donor Network website or the NYS DMV website to register.

View and share the Dr Oz PSA: Go the Extra Mile, NY: Become an Organ Donor!

• Press Release: Counties join together to increase NY's low organ donor registration rate (April 16)
• What is the NY Organ Donor Network?
• Facts about organ donation
• Orange County proclamation recognizing National Donate Life month
• Organ Donor Fact Sheet (Orange County)
• Audio interview on WAMC Northeast Public Radio: Stephen Acquario, Ed Diana, and DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner David Sampson (click to listen and read).

Hurricane Relief Fund
NYSAC members have joined forces to help residents of New York's counties impacted by Hurricane Sandy through the NYSAC Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, a partnership with Family to Family, inc.