Mission:
To provide the residents of Albany with a high level of professionally managed government and services which support the enhancement of the community.

History:
The town of Athens, now know as Albany, Missouri was laid out, 1845 as the County seat of Gentry County by Elisha Cameron, the Commissioner of the County Seat. The name was changed from Athens to Albany in the year 1857, by special legislature, due to a conflict in names in another county causing the mail intended for Athens, Gentry County, to go to Athens, Clark County. The first sale of lots was made on the 16th of June,1845.

Prior to establishment, the area was a summer haven for the Native American Indian, and the frontiersmen were drawn to the area for the same reason - lush landscape and an abundance of wildlife for trade and survival. A small group of trappers made Albany their year round home and Albany was born.

Railroad played a significant part in the development of the community. Both freight and passenger service was provided through most of the railroads term. The Burlington railroad passenger service was eliminated in the early 1950's. Although the Burlington track was removed in the late 1970's, the echo of the railroad remains. Like most small towns in the late 19th and 20th centuries, Albany's depot was a local point of activity. Today, Albany's restored, historic railroad depot serves as a reminder of that time in history.

The Gentry County Historical Society and the Carnegie Public Library are both excellent resources for Albany and the surrounding area's history. The Carnegie hosts an extensive historical and genealogical research area. The Gentry County Historical Society museum is open during local festivals and by appointment. The Carnegie Public Library and the Gentry County Courthouse, which dominates the center of the downtown square, honorably are listed in the National Historic Register.