The New York State Board of Geographic Names was established in 1913 with three members appointed by the governor plus the commissioner of education and state geologist as ex officio members.
Its duties were to 1) determine and establish the correct historical and etymological form of place names, 2) determine the form and property of new place names requiring Committee approval, and 3) cooperate with the U.S. Post Office Department to establish correct form for post office designations. In 1923 the existing board was established and its powers transferred to the Board of Regents (Chapter 302). That year the Regents appointed a Committee on Geographic Names. In 1962 the Rules of the Board of Regents were amended to delegate committee appointments to the Commissioner of Education, and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education were amended to outline principles and procedures to be followed in selecting and investigating place names.
From the description of Files of the Board/Committee on Geographic Names, 1913-1977. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 81546462
