Upcoming Events
The 2025-2026 Season of Online Speaker Series is now live!
Join fellow history enthusiasts for a brand-new season of the Online Speaker Series—reserve your seat now!
See Full Schedule
All Aboard! New York's Short Line Railroads
Tuesday May 12, 2026 - Via Zoom
Join us for an hour-long fascinating journey through the history of New York’s short line railroads. Often overlooked in favor of the major lines, these smaller railroads played a vital role in connecting local communities, fueling commerce, and shaping the state’s economy. Discover the stories of the trains, the towns they served, and the people who kept them running.
Saratoga Public Library Local History Fair
Save the Date: Friday, May 22, 2026 from 1-5pm
Where; Saratoga Springs Public Library
Meet an Archivist: John Diefenderfer
The New York State Museum, State Library, State Archives, and the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, in collaboration with the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist University and the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta, are excited to announce the third annual New York History Conference. The goal of the conference is to provide an inclusive and engaging forum in which historians, educators, museum professionals, archivists, and librarians can share research and resources on the practice, research, preservation, and teaching of New York State history.
When: June 11-12, 2026
Where: Marist University, 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Registration and Hotel Information:
Registration: Click here to register
Recurring Events
NY Archives JR! Investigation Station
Where: New York State Museum, Kids Cove
When: Every Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: 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!
Click Here For More
Archives Adventures
Thursdays - 11 am Discovery Place Free
Curious about New York's past? Come uncover the stories behind the state's history— one document at a time! Join us every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. for "Ask an Archivist" at the New York State Museum. Each session offers a peek into New York State’s rich and surprising history through carefully chosen original documents, photographs, and videos. An expert archivist will be on hand to share stories, answer your questions, and reveal how we uncover and preserve the past. You never know what fascinating piece of history you’ll discover!
Find the Weekly Theme Here
Past Events
Illustrious Strangers at 250
Inspectors General and The American Democratic Tradition
Wednesday January 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Often little known to the public, Inspectors General are a linchpin of American democracy.
In recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial and the creation of the Offices of the New York State Inspector General, join us for an exciting evening exploring the evolution of the Inspector General function in New York and across the country, through the legacy of Baron von Steuben, the Continental Army's Inspector General, who continues to inform independent oversight today.
From One Highland to Another
The Black Watch in Adirondacks
Sunday February 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Join New York Archives magazine and the New Scotland Historical Association for a riveting presentation: "From One Highland to Another."
Originally sent abroad to fight in the War of the Austrian Succession, The Black Watch later found solace in the Adirondacks. These highlands were not only reminiscent of the Watch’s homeland, but safeguarded their culture.
Author Francis Kneussle will lead a fascinating talk on The Black’s Watch’s role in some of the bloodiest battles that took place in New York and their contributions to Scottish immigration in the United States.
March 4th: Women, Words, and the Written Record
Where: Albany Public Library's North Albany Branch
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the NYS Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections Unit and the NYS Archives will explore records that capture women’s voices and everyday lives across New York’s history. The program will feature select items from each collection that illuminate women’s experiences at home, at work, and in their communities.
This will be led by Elizabeth Jakubowski (NYS Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections unit) and Joshua Hauck-Whealton (New York State Archives Researcher Services).
Click Here For More
March 26th: Women and Political Power
Where: NYS Museum | 222 Madison Ave, Albany, New York
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sponsored by the Women's Rights Alliance of NYS, NYS Museum, League of Women Voters of NYS Education Foundation, and the NYS Archives Partnership Trust
Join us for a conversation about women in the NYS Legislature between 1919 and 1992 with:
Carol Faulkner, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Maxwell School, and Professor, Syracuse University, and
Lauren Kozakiewicz, Lecturer in History at the University of Albany, State University of New York, and author of Ladies' Day at the Capitol: New York's Women Legislators, 1919-1992.
Finally a book that addresses how women's participation in government has changed politics - and changed women! New York women were central to the birth of the suffrage effort and the final win in 1920. What did they do with their new power?
There will be light hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks at 5:00 with the program beginning at 6:00.)
Archie the Jr! Archivist's Birthday Party
Tuesday April 7, 2026 - 10am to Noon
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!
New York State Museum Homeschool Day
April 15, 2026
11 am–2 pm
All Museum Galleries
Free
Enjoy a day of hands-on learning at the New York State Museum on Homeschool Day! Join scientists, historians, and educators for talks and activities ranging from mineralogy to the rich history of New York. Local community partners will be available to provide learning resources and to contribute activities about our local history.
Registration Encouraged:
Call or email the Museum Group Registration Office:
(518) 474-5843
groupreg@nysed.gov
Event Highlights
Gallery Tours:
- Tour Fashion and Faith: Hats of the Great Migration with Dr. Jennifer Lemak
- Learn about the minerals of NY State with Dr. Joseph Gonzalez
Community Partners:
- Capital District Council for the Social Studies and the New York Newspapers Foundation
- WMHT Public Media
- NYS Library Youth Services
- Talking Book and Braille Library
- NYS Archives Partnership Trust
- Hart Cluett Museum
- Historic Cherry Hill
