AAG Archives Project- Phase 2

AAG Archives: Phase One Complete—Exciting New Projects Ahead

Thanks to your generous support, we’re thrilled to share that Phase One of fundraising for the Albany Academy for Girls Archives Project is complete! If construction schedules allow, we hope to have the AAG Archive Room open for Reunion in June of 2026, with a contingency plan of September 2026 at the latest.

In the meantime, we’re looking ahead to the next chapter. After a recent planning session with our archivist, we’ve identified eight high-impact special projects. The estimated cost to complete these is approximately $50,000. Each initiative is designed to expand access, strengthen preservation, and bring the rich, interconnected history of Albany Academy for Girls to life in meaningful ways.

Upcoming Special Projects:

These projects are presented in priority order, and in some cases, one project depends on the successful completion of another.

• Digital Yearbook Project

Digitize the Cue yearbooks and enhance scanned Academe yearbooks so they are searchable and link them together—continuing the work of Susan Ellis Rockmore ’63.

• Archives Catalog

Develop a searchable, professional-level catalog of both The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls archives’ holdings using international archival standards.

• Academy Stories

Uncover shared histories of students and families across both schools—stories of siblings, service, leadership, and legacy.

• Lessons from John T. McClintock II ‘57

Organize archivist John McClintock’s research and essays into classroom-ready lesson plans and a searchable subject index

• Academy History Database

Refine the existing historical database of student information to improve accuracy and support future research.

• Archives Book Study

Survey and curate our rare book collection—including titles by and about our alumnae—for programming and exhibits.

• Faculty Research Project

Preserve and study 20th-century faculty records (with privacy compliance) to honor our educational legacy.

• Classroom Connections

Create rotating exhibits and educational displays for events like Reunion, Founders Day, and Homecoming.

We’re energized by the possibilities these initiatives represent and deeply grateful for the role you’ve played in helping us get to this point in the process. To help us bring one of these exciting new projects to life, please consider making an additional gift to the next phase of the AAG Archives Project.

If you’d like to discuss any of these initiatives or explore giving options, I’d be delighted to connect and share more about our vision.

With sincere appreciation,

Laura Hopper

Assistant Director of Advancement

Alumnae & Alumni Relations

About the Funded Project |Creation of AAG Archives

The new AAG archives will honor the legacy of alumnae, educators, and those who have passionately championed the school’s history. We seek to pay tribute to three individuals whose dedication has left an indelible mark on our community:

Margaret Lamar King ‘65 and John McClintock ‘57 - Their tireless work has enriched our archival collections, ensuring the history of AA & AAG remains alive and accessible.

Robert Olcott II ‘44 – As “honorary archivist,” Robert revitalized the archives, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to preserving our stories.

Why Support the AAG Archives Project?

The AAG archive will celebrate the distinct “HER-story” of Albany Academy for Girls within a space dedicated to preserving our unique heritage. As Albany Academy evolves and unites as one school, this archive will ensure that the stories of AAG are shared and celebrated for generations to come.

What Will Your Donation Support?

A Dedicated, Climate-Controlled Archive Space: Contributions will help fund a new, purpose-built area where AAG materials can be organized, preserved, and displayed.

Archival Conservation and Restoration Supplies: Donations will provide the supplies needed to conserve and restore items, ensuring that our collections are well-maintained for future generations.

Phase 2 Projects coming soon!

What are my donation options?

• Donations on this page are designated as a gift to the AAG Archives.

• If you are interested in donating stock or securities, please ** CLICK HERE ** for instructions.

• A gift can be made on this giving page with Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Bank Transfers, and all major credit cards.

• Click “I want to make this a recurring donation” when you donate and spread your giving out with smaller monthly gifts.

• Many companies offer to match the philanthropic gifts of their employees. Please search your company on the donation form to see if a Matching Gift Program exists where you work. Your gift could be doubled or in some cases even tripled!

• If you would like to donate using a Check or intend to make a gift at a later date, please click the Pledge option on the giving form. Pledges are due on June 30, 2025, the last day of our fiscal year. Please make your check payable to Albany Academy and mail it to 135 Academy Rd, Albany, NY 12208.