❤️February 2025 eUpdate ❤️

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Celebrating Black History Month

Feb. 4th - Online Speaker Series

The Black Woods


In "The Black Woods," Amy Godine recovers a robust history of Black pioneers who carved from the wilderness a future for their families and their civic rights. Her immersive story returns the Black pioneers and their descendants to their rightful place at the center of this history. With stirring accounts of racial justice, and no shortage of heroes, The Black Woods amplifies the unique significance of the Adirondacks in the American imagination.

As always, registration is FREE and all are welcome.

February Registration

Check out the full season!



Full Schedule

If you missed one of our previous programs, recordings are available here!

Full Recordings

Searching for Timbuctoo Viewing and Discussion

Thursday, February 20

Film & Discussion: 2:30 pm–4:00 pm


Document Display and Exhibit: All Day!


Huxley Theater

New York State Museum

222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY


Join New York State Archivist, Brian Keough and filmmaker, Paul Miller for an in-person viewing and discussion of WMHT’s short film, Searching for Timbuctoo.


Come early or stay late for the State Archives' ONE-day only document display of the:

1846 Receipt Book

of land grants from Gerrit Smith

and Transcription Copy.

Also not to miss is the State Museum's Exhibit:

Timbuctoo: Gerrit Smith’s Experiment in Adirondack Hall

The New York State Archives and New York State Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections will present a joint display for Black History Month. “Embattled,” focuses on the achievements of Black military regiments and their fight for equality on and off the battlefield.


The display features a variety of images, letters, government documents and other records from the Civil War, World War I and World War II eras and will be showcased in the 11th floor lobby of the Cultural Education Center during the month of February.


Also check out some of our educational resources on Black History!

Black History Resources

Happy Birthday, President Abraham Lincoln!

This month, we celebrate the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States, born on February 12th, 1809. From his leadership during the Civil War to his dedication to unity and equality, Lincoln's impact resonates through history.


Want to learn more about Lincoln’s legacy? For educators, don’t miss the Spring 2024 issue of "Archives Jr!" featuring "Lincoln and Immigration" by Harold Holzer!


It’s a fascinating look at how Lincoln’s policies shaped the immigrant experience in America. "Archives Jr!" is FREE for all educators across New York State—click the link to request your classroom set!

Request Your Classroom Copies

Save the Date:

June 5-6, 2025

Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY


Constructing the Empire State: Innovation, Environment, and Imagination in New York History

Join us for the New York State History Conference in June 2025! This exciting event brings together historians, educators, and enthusiasts from across the state to explore New York’s rich and diverse history. Stay tuned for more information about sessions, speakers, and registration. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate New York State history!

History Through the Eyes of the Future Generation

Joanna Z--an incredibly talented 8th-grade student has brought history to life with stunning paintings of Samuel Jones meeting the Marquis de Lafayette--a featured article in our Winter Issue of "Archives Magazine."



Inspired by Joanna's creativity? Have a budding historian/artist in your life? New York students are encouraged to submit their own historical artwork to APTrust@nysed.gov! Share your perspective on history and help us celebrate the past through art!

Last month, The Office of Cultural Education hosted over 100 North Colonie students for a deep dive into history!


The program delved into the fascinating history of Native Peoples of New York, the Fur Trade, and Colonial New York.


A big thank you to Jordan Jace, James Jenkins, and India Futterman for their outstanding contributions in bringing history to life for these students!

Did you know that your support keeps our quarterly New York Archives Jr! insert free for all NYS students? Help Archie, our Jr! Archivist keep history alive for the future generation and request a classroom set below or check out our website ConsidertheSourceNY.org for more free history educator resources.

Request Archives Jr!
More Free Educator Resources

Want More? Check Out

Archives Jr! Investigation Station

Thursday, February 6, 2025

10:30 am - 12 pm

Office of Cultural Education: Kids Cove

Free


Dive into the world of archives with New York Archives Jr! magazine. Each week, we'll explore a fun learning activity inspired by an issue of New York Archives Jr!, where kids will discover fascinating history, analyze primary sources, and engage with interactive projects!

Winter 2025

Out Now!


Cozy up this winter with some light reading of the fascinating articles about New York State culture and history! Stay tuned for our latest issue.


Subscribe Today
Winter Highlights

Are you an educator for grades 4-8?


Request "Archives Jr!" Bring history into the hands of your curious students.



Request "Archives Jr!"
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New York State Archives

The Archives Research Room is open by appointment Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 4pm, as are our e-mail and telephone reference services. To make an appointment, call (518) 474-8955 or for assistance or guidance with our records, email archref@nysed.gov.


New York State Board of Regents | New York State Education Department 

Office of Cultural Education

New York Archives Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, supports education, preservation, and outreach programs not funded by the state in order to make accessible archives from nearly 400 years of New York's colonial and state governments. Visit us at nysarchivestrust.org and considerthesourceny.org.