Genealogical Society's Break From the Past Creates Lingering Pain.

When the well-preserved building at 122 East 58th Street was sold three years ago, its first change of ownership since it was built about 80 years ago, the deal ushered in new chapters for two institutions. For the seller, a genealogical group that had seen better days, the deal was a way to downsize operations and salt away a large amount of money for uncertain times ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]