We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Robert (Bob) W. Arnold III. Starting in 1988, Bob led the expansion of the Local Government Records Program at the State Archives. He was instrumental in shaping the program’s early direction, including the Local Government Records Management Improvement Grants program, that has awarded over 250 million dollars to local governments statewide. His career at the State Archives, spanning from 1988 to his retirement in 2006, was marked by significant achievements that continue to benefit local and state government records management programs today.

Prior to the State Archives, Bob served as Albany County Historian and Executive Director of the Albany County Hall of Records (ACHOR).  Bob retired from the State Archives in 2006, though he continued to teach history at local colleges, served on the editorial board of the New York Archives Magazine, and continued to promote and support history programs across the state

Bob legacy can be seen across the state in the effective local government records management and archival programs that protect and make available the public’s records.

Gianna Zhang won the APT award for Best Use of Historical Records for the Capital Region History Day for her paper, A Revolution of Conscience: Truth and Power in the Soviet Union!

Her bibliography referenced several memoirs, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s Nobel Prize for Literature Lecture from 1970, Communist Party of the Soviet Union on Trial Records from the Hoover Institution, along with articles from the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Chronicle of Current Events.

Her paper discusses the role of underground literature and its challenge to political authority. She’s an incredible researcher and is going to go far!

History is always better with friends!

Archie the Jr! Archivist, recently met a fellow history lover—Zopher the Mouse from the Chapman Museum.

When Archie and Zopher get together, you know there will be plenty of curiosity, teamwork, and maybe even a few historical discoveries along the way. 

Did you know Archie has his own quarterly publication? Each "Archives Jr!" highlights a topic of New York State History, which is free for all NYS educators and students grades 4-8.

Even better—Zopher just released a brand-new book: By River, Road, & Rail: How Transportation Shaped our Communities!

If you’re as curious about the past as Archie and Zopher are, be sure to check them out. Archives Jr! is free for all students and educators across NYS.

Tuesday April 7, 2026 - 10am to 12pm

New York State Museum Galleries

Archie isn’t just any mascot—he’s a curious, document-loving beaver who digs into New York’s fascinating history and shares its stories with everyone he meets. On his special day, we’re inviting YOU to celebrate with crafts, games, and plenty of birthday fun!

Bring your curiosity and creativity for hands-on activities and crafts as we celebrate Archie’s big day! There will be plenty of surprises in store, so don’t miss out on this beaver-tastic event.

For kids of all ages—come ready to party with Archie and explore the wonders of New York’s past! Let’s make it a birthday to remember with fun, friends, and a little bit of history!

The 2026 New York History conference will be held at Marist University on June 11-12, 2026.



Registration is now open for the 2026 New York History conference!

Visit the conference website below to register and to access information on hotel lodging, keynote events, sponsorship opportunities, and conference sessions.