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Bruce Dearstyne

Bruce W. Dearstyne is a historian in Guilderland. He was formerly on the staff of the Office of State History and the State Archives as well as a professor at the University of Maryland. A revised edition of his book The Spirit of New York: Defining Events in the Empire State’s History and his newest book, The Crucible of Public Policy: New York Courts in the Progressive Era, are being published in 2022 by SUNY Press.

Strengthening NY’s Historical Enterprise: Canadian Models

June 28, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne Leave a Comment

Several recent posts here at New York History remind us of the incredible richness and diversity of New York’s history and the outstanding programs and organizations that are responsible for it. But others demonstrate the need for more resources, visibility and coordination. [Read more…] about Strengthening NY’s Historical Enterprise: Canadian Models

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Canada, Online Resources, Public History

History Education: Waiting For The Common Core

May 23, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne Leave a Comment

The State Education Department has not yet released the proposed new Common Core standards for English Language Arts, which includes “Literacy in History/Social Studies.” Several previous posts have explored the implications for state and local history in our state. [Read more…] about History Education: Waiting For The Common Core

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Common Core, Education, Social Studies Curriculum

Teaching New York History: Three Frameworks

May 7, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne 4 Comments

The revision of the New York State social studies curriculum should involve, or call on the expertise of, many individuals and historical groups, or they should consider proactively advancing their suggestions. Peter Feinman’s recent post included the resolutions of the annual meeting in March of the New York State Social Studies Council, articulating the concerns of social studies teachers and reaffirming the importance of social studies. [Read more…] about Teaching New York History: Three Frameworks

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Education, Social Studies Curriculum

Social Studies Curriculum Revisions

March 24, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne 2 Comments

During the recent spate of posts on this site regarding the New York State Social Studies curriculum revision, some commentators asked whom to contact. The person is charge of this initiative is Dr. Lawrence Paska, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, NYS Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Room 318 EB Albany, NY 12234. 518-474-5922. lpaska@mail.nysed,gov [Read more…] about Social Studies Curriculum Revisions

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Board of Regents, Common Core, Education, New York State Education Department, Social Studies Curriculum

Social Studies Curriculum: Time to Speak Up

March 1, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne 4 Comments

If you are interested in strengthening the teaching of New York State and local history in New York’s schools, now is the time to speak up.

A recent post by Peter Feinman informed us that the State Education Department is now working on revision of the state social studies standards. The current standards, last revised several years ago, are in need of revision and updating. [Read more…] about Social Studies Curriculum: Time to Speak Up

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Common Core, Education, Public History, Social Studies Curriculum

Downton Abbey and Hudson Valley Historic Houses

February 8, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne 3 Comments

Many people are fascinated by the serial British drama “Downton Abbey”, currently airing on PBS. The Abbey is a fictional mansion in Yorkshire, the home of a fictional family, the Granthams, and their servant staff, during the early 20th century. It is an entertaining tale of love, intrigue, loyalty, betrayal, triumph, and tragedy! And it has generated, or at least been accompanied by, new books on the real history of the time, including Jessica Fellows, The World of Downton Abbey and the Countess of Carnarvon, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey. [Read more…] about Downton Abbey and Hudson Valley Historic Houses

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Cultural History, Historic Preservation, Lyndhurst, Philipse Manor Hall, Public History, Westchester County

Historical Societies: Getting Past Hard Times

February 2, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne 1 Comment

New York History is bringing much interesting news, mostly good, but some of it revealing needs and the potential for greater attainment through cooperation, higher visibility, and more funding. News in the popular press also reveals improvement opportunities. Historical societies are a case in point. [Read more…] about Historical Societies: Getting Past Hard Times

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Public History, Saratoga County, Saratoga History Museum

Some Sources for Ideas and Inspiration

January 5, 2012 by Bruce Dearstyne Leave a Comment

The posts here at New York History demonstrate the robustness of New York’s historical enterprise and the creativity and energy of people working in the field. But the posts also show the need for more leadership, coordination, resources, and new approaches. This post lists some sources from beyond New York that might provide useful perspectives for discussions about strengthening the historical enterprise in our state. (It is an expanded version of the list in my article in Public Historian last August.) [Read more…] about Some Sources for Ideas and Inspiration

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Office of Cultural Education, Online Resources, Public History

Strengthening the Historical Enterprise

December 14, 2011 by Bruce Dearstyne 3 Comments

Several recent posts on this site have demonstrated the robustness and diversity of New York’s historical programs but also pointed to the limitations, challenges, and potential for much greater achievement. The special issue of the Public Historian on “Strengthening the Management of State History: Issues, Perspectives, and Insights from New York” last August analyzed these same issues.

That discussion needs to continue. In fact, we are overdue for an examination of the state’s historical enterprise and discussion of ways of boosting its effectiveness and impact.
New York is one of the nation’s oldest states, with a history stretching back more than 400 years. [Read more…] about Strengthening the Historical Enterprise

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Bruce Dearstyne, Online Resources, Public History, Social Studies Curriculum

Civil War: Potential NYS Commemoration Initiatives

November 21, 2011 by Bruce Dearstyne 4 Comments

We are entering the second year of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. New York contributed more soldiers, war materiel, money, and support to the Civil War effort than any other state. Dozens of commemorative activities are under way or in prospect in communities across the state. But New York state government is reticent about recalling, studying and commemorating its Civil War past. [Read more…] about Civil War: Potential NYS Commemoration Initiatives

Filed Under: History Tagged With: Civil War, Cultural History, Military History, Public History

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