A Blauvelt Descendant: Researching Family History

Why does the Blauvelt family in America claim their ancestor was a Dutch colonist named Gerrit Hendricksen? How did he become so well-placed in New Amsterdam society that he could marry the daughter of the foremost ship builder, and receive a substantial land grant making him the next door neighbor of Governor Peter Stuyvesant? What was his relationship to Captain Willem Albertsen Blauvelt, the only man carrying the name in the Dutch colony of New Netherland? Ralph Blauvelt tackles these questions and more in "A Blauvelt Descendant, Researching Family History." He describes his childhood experience of growing up in Rockland County, NY, and his gradual understanding of his Dutch-American heritage. He did not understand the deference given to him as a school boy when some people learned that his name was Blauvelt. As a college student, he was embarrassed when he could not answer a question about the Blauvelt descendant who married John Kennedy. Ignorance gave way to increasing knowledge about his family history. He became a member of the Association of Blauvelt Descendants, joined its board of directors, and eventually assumed the position of genealogist. "A Blauvelt Descendant" touches upon the contributions of Blauvelt descendant families to American life. In a collection of articles, essays, and historical addresses, the author presents Major Fredericus Blauvelt at the DeWint House, where George Washington made his headquarters during the American Revolution; the 19th century spiritualists, Kate and Maggie Fox; and the 20th century American artist, Edward Hopper. He descended from six of the seven Blauvelt siblings who settled in 17th century Tappan, NY. The author's most recent research takes us back to 16th century Netherlands and the origin of the Blauvelt name in his essay, "The First Blauvelt, Pieter of Enkhuizen."