Online Speaker Series: Erie Canal 200!

Join us for an hour featuring the rich history of the Erie Canal, which shaped New York's growth and development over the past two centuries. Our speakers John C. Callaghan and Jean Mackay will delve into the transformative power of this engineering marvel and how it continues to inspire innovative projects today. Don’t miss this chance to discover the Canal's enduring legacy and its vital role in shaping the future of New York!

Join us on January 5th at the New York State Museum for a special public program all about Ice Harvesting!

Explore the tools and techniques of ice harvesting with Monica Gray, Director of Archival Services at the New York State Archives. Learn how ice was once harvested from lakes and rivers during the winter months, see historical photos, and try out real ice tongs.

📍 Where: NYS Museum, First Floor

📅 When: 10:00 AM January 5th

On January 20th, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership and vision shaped the civil rights movement and inspired generations to stand up for justice, equality, and freedom.  

The New York State Archives holds records that document pivotal moments in our nation's history, including New York's role in advancing civil rights. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we encourage you to reflect on Dr. King's powerful message of hope, unity, and change.  

Also check out our educational activities on ConsidertheSourceNY.org!

President Joe Biden has recently signed a proclamation recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet and a driving force behind groundbreaking labor reforms during the New Deal Era.

For NYS, she was a trailblazing reformer and first woman Industrial Commissioner under New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt. Perkins spearheaded investigations into labor conditions, including the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. Her tireless efforts led to groundbreaking workplace safety reforms and set the stage for modern labor protections.  

Subscribe and learn more about her remarkable legacy in our Fall 2021 issue of Archives Magazine, which delves into her transformative work and impact on American and New York society.

Save the Date!

2025 New York History Conference

Theme:

Constructing the Empire State: Innovation, Environment, and Imagination

in New York History

June 5-6, 2025

Cultural Education Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY

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!