Spelled and referred to variously, several distinct Ryckman families may have emigrated to early America. The story of the Ryckman family in early Albany begins with the lives of Bevewyck pioneers Jan and one Tryntie Janse Ryckman. Their son (and perhaps only child), brewer Albert Janse Ryckman, was appointed mayor of Albany in 1702. Albert Janse's numerous offspring who established the Ryckman family in Albany and its environs.

In 1742, three Ryckmans (aging sons of Albert Janse) were counted among the freeholders living in Albany's first ward. At that time, no Ryckmans appear to have been prominent in surrounding Rensselaerswyck.

By the mid-eighteenth century, several of the sons and daughters of Albany native and Schenectady resident Wilhelmus Ryckman had established themselves in Albany.

In 1756, two "Wrightman" named houses were listed on the census.

In 1790, two Ryckman-named households were listed on the Albany census including the landmark home of trader/interpreter Pieter Ryckman. A decade later, three Ryckman-named households were configured on the city census.

In 1813, the first city directory listed the addresses of two Ryckman widows and their spinster sister-in-law on the Southside of Albany.

By 1815, the name was no longer found in the city directory.

Ryckman Avenue in today's Pine Hills and Ryckman Hall on the campus of The University at Albany commemorate the family today.

Sources: This family profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Online resources: From The Olive Tree Genealogy;