New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

New York State Library

William O. Stillman: Leader of Humane Societies, Friend of Animals & Children

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The Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society's building on Fourth Street inin Troy, NYWilliam O. Stillman was born on September 9th, 1856 in Normansville, now known as Elsmere in the town of the Bethlehem, Albany County, NY. His parents were Rev. Stephen Lewis Stillman and Lucretia (Miller) Stillman.

Rev. Stephen Lewis Stillman was a Methodist minister at the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Adamsville (now Delmar) and a descendant of a family that had emigrated from London, England. Lucretia (Miller) Stillman was of Dutch descent. Rev. Stephen suddenly died in 1869, when William was 12 years old. After his father’s death, William and his mother moved to Albany. [Read more…] about William O. Stillman: Leader of Humane Societies, Friend of Animals & Children

Politics, Advocacy, and the Treatment of People with Disabilities

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pain and shock in americaThe New York State Library will host “Pain and Shock in America: Politics, Advocacy, and the Controversial Treatment of People with Disabilities,” a virtual program with Jan Nisbet, Ph.D., and Nancy Weiss, M.S.W. set for Friday, February 24th. [Read more…] about Politics, Advocacy, and the Treatment of People with Disabilities

Enslaved People Fighting for Freedom Before the Civil War

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Adirondack Council Government Relations Director Kevin Chlad said in his testimony to a combined Senate and Assembly budget committee.In a nation born in blood and revolution, enslaved people repeatedly proved their worthiness of membership in the nation’s body politic by using force and even violence to win their freedom. An analysis of antebellum slave revolts, conspiracies, and escape attempts provides irrefutable proof that enslaved people found inspiration in the language and symbols of American freedom. Though denied a place in the United States as persons and citizens, they fought, killed, and died for the ideas and principles upon which the nation had been built. [Read more…] about Enslaved People Fighting for Freedom Before the Civil War

State Ed Recognizes Black History Month

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Black History Month at NYS MuseumThe New York State Education Department (NYSED) is recognizing Black History Month, held during February each year, to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans.

As part of this observance, the State Education Department has created social media campaigns and educational resources, including online and in-person programs through the New York State Museum and the New York State Library, as well as providing programming recommendations from the Office of New York State Public Broadcasting. [Read more…] about State Ed Recognizes Black History Month

State Education Dept Announces $34M For Public Library Construction Projects

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New York State Library with Ukranian FlagThe New York State Education Department has awarded $34 million to 223 public libraries and systems statewide to support construction and renovation projects.

These funds are expected to help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy-efficiency standards, and renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities and create meeting spaces to accommodate community needs. [Read more…] about State Education Dept Announces $34M For Public Library Construction Projects

Eleanor Everywhere: A Pioneering First Lady

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eleanor rooseveltEleanor Roosevelt’s achievements as a pioneering First Lady are all the more remarkable when we consider the circumstances under which they took place: the ongoing crisis of the Great Depression, the relentless social pressure to confine herself to genteel hostessing in the White House, and her complicated relationship with her husband. [Read more…] about Eleanor Everywhere: A Pioneering First Lady

State Library Hosting Digital Equity Roundtable

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Albany Cultural Education Center State Museum Archives and LibraryThe New York State Library will host a digital equity roundtable conversation on Friday, September 9th. This program is intended to be an opportunity for digital inclusion practitioners across New York to connect and communicate with one another.

Digital inclusion involves the activities necessary to ensure equitable access to and use of information and communication technologies for participation in social and economic life including for education, social services, health, social and community participation. [Read more…] about State Library Hosting Digital Equity Roundtable

Contested History of American Patriotism

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contested history of patriotismWhen we talk about patriotism in America, we tend to mean one form: the version captured in shared celebrations like the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

But that celebratory patriotism is just one of several distinct forms: celebratory, the communal expression of an idealized America; mythic, the creation of national myths that exclude certain communities; active, acts of service and sacrifice for the nation; and critical, arguments for how the nation has fallen short of its ideals that seek to move us toward that more perfect union.  [Read more…] about Contested History of American Patriotism