The Hansen family of New Netherland traces its early Albany roots to Hans Hendrickse who settled in Beverwyck during the 1650s. These Hansens built their Albany-based fortunes on the fur trade.

His son Hendrick Hansen was appointed mayor of Albany in 1698. A year earlier, three Hansen households were listed in the city census.

Johannes (known as Hans Hansen) was appointed mayor of Albany in 1731. By that time, Hansen daughters had intermarried with a number of prominent early Albany families.

Revolutionary war officer Dirck Hansen helped his mother operate the cross-river ferry from 1767 to the mid-1780s.

The census of 1790, counted three Hansen named households in the city and another in surrounding Watervliet.

In 1815, three Hansen households remained in the city.

Named for two colonial mayors, Hansen Avenue in Albany's Pine Hills recalls the family today!

Sources: This profile of the Hansen family is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Follow this link to more information on the Hansen family on this website. Hansen family bible records. Online genealogy.