Juneteenth is the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The origins of the commemoration date back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, first heard that the Civil War had ended and they were free. [Read more…] about Juneteenth Resources and Information
New York State Museum
New York History Conference Returning in 2024
The New York State Museum, New York State Archives, and the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, in collaboration with the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College and the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta, have announced a New York State History Conference for June 2024.
It will be five years since a general conference on New York State history has taken place. [Read more…] about New York History Conference Returning in 2024
New York State Museum Reopening Historic Carousel
The New York State Museum announced today that it will reopen its antique carousel with a special celebration tomorrow, June 1, 2023. Crafted by the renowned Herschell-Spillman Company of North Tonawanda, Niagara County, NY, more than a century ago, the carousel has undergone repairs, received general maintenance, and numerous upgrades since it closed four years ago. [Read more…] about New York State Museum Reopening Historic Carousel
New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide Released
2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of the revolution that occurred between 1774 and 1783 and resulted in the creation of the United States of America. What is now the State of New York played an immense and vital role in both the Revolutionary Era and the subsequent 250 years of American history. [Read more…] about New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide Released
State Museum Showing Seized Elephant Ivory from Illegal Trade
Elephant ivory seized during a massive New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) led crackdown on the illegal ivory trade is now on display at the New York State Museum. The display is a reminder of the rampant and continued slaughter of the African elephant, rhinoceros, and other iconic endangered species that fuel the transnational illegal trade in wildlife. [Read more…] about State Museum Showing Seized Elephant Ivory from Illegal Trade
The Decline of the New York State Museum
New York State Museum leadership is under fire again. This time from Albany Times Union columnist Chris Churchill. He points out that it’s been eight years since a $14 million overhaul of the museums exhibits was announced. [Read more…] about The Decline of the New York State Museum
State Museum Acquires Women’s Rights Pioneers Central Park Monument Model
The New York State Museum in Albany has acquired the Women’s Rights Pioneers Central Park Monument model. The statue features three nationally recognized leaders of the women’s rights movement, all hailing from New York State: Sojourner Truth (Ulster County), Susan B. Anthony (Rochester), and Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Johnstown, Seneca Falls, and NYC). It will be included as part of the Museum’s new exhibition, “Women Who Lead.” [Read more…] about State Museum Acquires Women’s Rights Pioneers Central Park Monument Model
Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument Event at State Museum
On August 26, 2020, the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument was unveiled depicting three historic women’s rights leaders – Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth – all hailing from New York State. [Read more…] about Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument Event at State Museum
Science & Suckers: The Cohoes Mastodon & The Cardiff Giant
In 1866, NY State Geologist James Hall received a message from T.G. Younglove, an official at Harmony Mills in Cohoes, New York, informing Hall that while conducting some excavations to expand the mill they uncovered a “great pothole” at the foot of Cohoes Falls where the Mohawk River begins to empty into the Hudson.
The “great pothole” contained a large jawbone “of some unknown beast,” much larger than that of an elephant. [Read more…] about Science & Suckers: The Cohoes Mastodon & The Cardiff Giant
State Ed Recognizes Black History Month
The 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