This is a collection of black and white photographs of a wide variety of business enterprises in Albany, NY. They range from restaurants, to banks, to warehouses; many were founded and built in the 19th century. The dates of the photographs ranges from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. These photographs provide not only a look into Albany’s past economic life, but also show snapshots of architecture and everyday life. People, automobiles, and occasionally animals feature in these photographs. Many of these buildings are no longer standing, making these photographs rare glimpses back into this period of Albany’s history. Many of these businesses were or are Albany institutions known locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.