New York State Archives

New York History Day Winners Celebrated at Fort Ti

March 19, 2020 by Maury Thompson 1 Comment

Cole Siebels, a sophomore at Gouveneur Central School in St. Lawrence County, aspires to a career in film production. “I want to create things that people enjoy. I want to create things that bring out emotions in people,” he said.

Siebels has gained valuable school-to-work experience competing four consecutive years in the documentary category of the North Country History Day regional competition, aimed at introducing middle school and high school students to historical research and presentation skills. [Read more…] about New York History Day Winners Celebrated at Fort Ti

A Historic Day Adoptee Rights in NYS

January 14, 2020 by Christopher Philippo 4 Comments

January 15, 2020 is a significant day for adoptees in New York State. Taking effect that day is a state law that gives adult adoptees the right to obtain their own original birth certificates by applying to the Health Department (that right of access is also extended to the descendants of deceased adoptees). It was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by the Legislature, even ultimately swaying some legislators who’d opposed such a change in past sessions.

For decades, the only way for an adult adoptee to obtain his or her own original birth certificate was by petitioning the court. Such petitions were rarely granted. [Read more…] about A Historic Day Adoptee Rights in NYS

NYS Archives Launches Collegiate Essay Competition

January 6, 2020 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

New York Archives magazine recently announced an essay competition to promote and recognize excellence in collegiate student research.

The purpose of the competition is to encourage undergraduate and graduate students to explore the wealth of resources held in archival repositories across New York State. [Read more…] about NYS Archives Launches Collegiate Essay Competition

Featured Records: A Surrogate Records Back Door (1648-1848)

January 5, 2020 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Two record collections available online offer a different approach to surrogate court records in New York State.

Between 1786 and 1829 the Supreme Court and the county courts of common pleas shared with the Surrogate’s Courts the power to prove and record wills devising real property, and also wills whose witnesses were unable to appear in court. In addition, between 1801 and 1829 the Supreme Court had the exclusive power to prove and record wills devising real property located in several counties. [Read more…] about Featured Records: A Surrogate Records Back Door (1648-1848)

NY State Museum, Library, Archives Celebrating NYS History Month

November 5, 2019 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

The New York State Museum, State Library, and State Archives will celebrate New York State History Month in November with a variety of free public programs for children, families and adults. State History Month represents the opportunity for historians, museums and cultural institutions to highlight importance of New York State’s history through public programs, exhibitions and other learning opportunities.

In 1997, the New York State Legislature established November as New York State History Month with the goal “to celebrate the history of New York state and recognize the contributions of state and local historians.” The celebration had been all but abandoned by 2002, but was revived by then State Historian Robert Weible.

Featured Collection: NYS Underwater Land Records

October 8, 2019 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

This collection of applications to the Commissioners of the New York State Land Office, later the Division of Land Utilization, for grants to lands under water is located at the New York State Archives. [Read more…] about Featured Collection: NYS Underwater Land Records

New York Council for History Education Formed

September 9, 2019 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

The New York State Archives Partnership Trust has partnered with the National Council for History Education to form a state council – the New York Council for History Education (NYCHE).

This partnership is expected to enhance the Trust’s ability to promote historical literacy by strengthening regional networks of educators, historians and cultural organizations and providing locally focused professional development and outreach activities. [Read more…] about New York Council for History Education Formed

Researching Genealogy at NYS Archives in Buffalo

September 8, 2019 by Editorial Staff 1 Comment

The Western New York Genealogical Society has announced Researching Genealogy at the New York State Archives, an event set for Saturday, September 21, from 10:30 am to noon, at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central Branch Central Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo. [Read more…] about Researching Genealogy at NYS Archives in Buffalo

Woodstock at 50: A New Online Exhibit

September 6, 2019 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

The New York State Archives has announced a new online exhibit, The Woodstock Festival, August 15th – 18th 1969 – “An Aquarian Exposition,” in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival.

The exhibit features documents from New York State Department of Health Commissioner’s Office, and highlights the role that State Government played in helping the organizers of the festival prepare for the 50,000 people that they expected to attend and the lessons that were learned from the experience. [Read more…] about Woodstock at 50: A New Online Exhibit

Militant Maids of the Lower East Side

August 8, 2019 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

The New York State Archives have announced that the program “Anna & Henrietta Mercy: Militant Maids of the Lower East Side”is set for September 8.

Sisters Anna & Henrietta Mercy were a dynamic duo of socialist activism in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. As young children they immigrated to the United States from Austria with their parents in the late 1800s; as young women, they devoted their time and many talents to the East Side Equal Rights League’s agenda of women’s economic and political equality.