Larry Hart, born Clarence William Hart in Schenectady on March 17, 1920, attended local schools and Union College before serving as an aerial photographer with the 357th Squadron, Eighth Air Force in Europe during World War II. After the war, he married Ruth Brooks, with whom he had two children, and embarked on a career in journalism, working for the Union-Star and later the Schenectady Daily Gazette. He became particularly well-known for his historical column, "Tales of Old Dorp," which ran for many years. Deeply committed to local history, Hart served lengthy terms as both Schenectady County and City Historian, as well as President and Trustee of the Schenectady County Historical Society. He passed away on February 10, 2004, at the age of 83.