The Presidents vs. the Press: The Endless Battle between the White House and the Media--from the Founding Fathers to Fake News  a discussion with author Harold Holzer - September 22, 2020

New York Archives Magazine presented Harold Holzer, acclaimed author of the recently published The Presidents vs.   the Press: The Endless Battle between the White House and  the Media--from the Founding Fathers to Fake News. Harold shared some insights from his new book, examining the dual rise of the American presidency and the media that shaped it.


"8 BRAVE CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS: Past Meets the Present when Fourth Graders Honor the Fallen in Pittsford"- October 13, 2020

Presented by the New York Archives Magazine Speaker Series, The Greece Historical Society and the New York Council for History Education.


A Dirty Year: Sex, Suffrage, and Scandal in Gilded Age New York a discussion with author Bill Greer - October 20, 2020

New York Archives Magazine Online Speaker Series presented Bill Greer, author of the recently published A Dirty Year: Sex, Suffrage, and Scandal in Gilded Age New York. He shared some insights from his new book, examining 1872 New York, a city convulsing with social upheaval and sexual revolution and beset with all the excitement and challenges a moment of transformation brings.


Enemies of the State: Prosecuting loyalists during the Revolutionary War with the Historical Society of the New York Court - November 10

New York Archives Magazine Online Speaker Series was joined by author, Edward Countryman, New York State Archivist, Tom Ruller, and Head of Researcher Services, Dr. James Folts for a discussion about the latest preservation project at the New York State Archives of important New York court records documenting cases against loyalists during the American Revolution. 

Conservation of the Enemies of the State: Rediscovering the Patriot-Loyalist Struggle in Revolutionary New York is being supported in part by a Federal Save America's Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Park Service        


Eunice Newton Foote and the Cause of Global Warming with John Perlin and the Emma Willard School - December 8, 2020

New York Archives Magazine Online Speaker Series and the Emma Willard School were joined by John Perlin for a discussion about Eunice Newton Foote, the first scientist to study climate change. 



Organizing and Preserving Your Home Archives with the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society - January 26, 2021

New York Archives Magazine Online Speaker Series and New York Genealogical & Biographical Society were joined by New York State Archivist Tom Ruller and NYG&B President D. Joshua Taylor for a discussion of best practices for maintaining your home archives, including identifying materials to preserve, organizing objects and papers, and steps to ensure your collections remain an integral part of your family’s story.



Hidden Stories from Newly Translated Dutch Colonial Documents with the New Netherland Institute - February 16, 2021

Join New York State Archivist Tom Ruller, New Netherland Institute Senior Historian Dennis J. Maika, New Netherland Research Center Director Charles Gehring, and former New Netherland Research Center Associate Director Janny Venema as they discuss insights from the forthcoming Volume 13. Correspondence, 1658–1660. This volume of translations of Dutch colonial manuscripts are available on the the State Archives Digital Collections. 



Creating Change with Changemakers: Disrupting Museum Storytelling with the Rochester Museum and Science Center - March 4, 2021

Presenters discussed how a community curation model, including sourcing objects from contemporary individuals, can enhance the accuracy, quality, diversity, and authentic representation within an exhibit, and how the voices of the community can push museum professionals and leadership to evolve their thinking around creating an exhibit. 


Telling New York Stories: Celebrating 20 years of New York Archives Magazine with the Editor Josie Madison - April 15, 2021

2020 marked an important milestone for New York Archives - its twentieth year of publication!

More than 80 issues, 2,828 pages, 418 feature stories, and 517 contributors later, this award-winning educational publication remains a shining example of collaboration with history enthusiasts, scholars, and historical repositories around New York State, bringing untold stories and extraordinary happenings to light. Join us for an interactive discussion with Editor Josie Madison, PhD and special guests.


The Luckiest Guy in the World: My Journey in Politics a discussion with author Robert Abrams - April 20, 2021

State Archivist Tom Ruller and former New York Attorney General Robert Abrams discussed Abrams' journey in politics and pride in public service and how he strove to make a difference for New Yorkers by launching landmark cases on environmental issues, such as Love Canal, and creating path-breaking initiatives concerning consumer protection and civil rights. 



400 Years Later: The charter that launched the colony of New Netherland with the New Netherland Institute - June 3, 2021

New Netherland Research Center Director Charles Gehring, author and researcher Jaap Jacobs, professor of History and International Relations Wim Klooster, and State Archivist Tom Ruller recognized the granting of a charter by the States General of the Netherlands to the Dutch West India Company on June 3, 1621 to operate what eventually became the colony of New Netherland.


The Lemmon Slave Case: New York’s Battle Against Slavery - September 17, 2021 

On the eve of the Civil War in 1860, New York’s highest court, The Court of Appeals, upheld a petition granted by the Superior Court in New York City for the release of eight enslaved people, including six children brought to New York by Virginians Jonathan and Juliet Lemmon on their way to Texas.New York State Archivist, Tom Ruller was joined by Hon. Albert M. Rosenblatt, Former Associate Judge, New York City Court of Appeals and President Emeritus, Historical Society of the New York Courts for a discussion of this celebrated case that brought up hard questions about slavery within the United States and challenged the slavery laws between the northern and southern states.


Democracy in Action: The Role of Attorney General and the Public Good - September 23, 2021

The Archives Partnership Trust was joined by current New York State Attorney General Letitia James and former Attorney General Robert Abrams, author of Luckiest Guy in the World: My  Journey in Politics for a discussion of the importance of public service, and Abrams’ groundbreaking work on environmental, consumer protection and civil rights issues that forever transformed the role of the office of Attorney General. 


The People’s Records: Celebrating 50 Years of New York State Archives - October 26, 2021

Tom Ruller, New York State Archivist, and Retired State Archivists Edward Weldon, Larry Hackman, V. Chapman Smith and Christine Ward came together to discuss how good public policy created the nation’s largest State Archives; its role in preserving and making accessible over 250 million records of New York and its people; and an essential resource for policy makers, researchers, educators and all citizens.


Mystery Solved at the State Archives! Paying for the Constitutional Convention of 1787 - November 9, 2021

Alexander Hamilton was one of three delegates sent by New York to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Over two hundred and thirty years later, we are still learning new information about the process states used to send delegates to the convention which led to the creation of the Constitution. Hear more from panelists about how newly discovered journal entries in the New York State Archives shed light on our country’s formative period.  


Researching and Writing About The Life of Disability Rights Activist Lucy Gwin -December 7, 2021

Hear the amazing story of author, advocacy journalist, disability rights activist, feminist and founder of Rochester’s Mouth magazine, Lucy Gwin. After an automobile accident left her with a brain injury, Gwin became a tireless advocate for the equal rights of people she termed "dislabled." Learn more from author James Odato about the monumental impact and staunch dedication Gwin and other key disability rights activists and organizations had to the belief that disability rights was a critical part of the civil rights movement. 


Exploring the People and Places that Make New York Great -January 18, 2022

When conducting genealogical research, sometimes a family's most treasured document or greatest clues can be found in repositories you may not have considered. Join us for an informative discussion on utilizing different types of archives and how they can be woven together to tell a more complete picture.


Risk-Takers and Change-Makers: A Conversation with co-founders of the Underground Railroad Education Center -February 1, 2022

Tom Ruller and Mary Liz and Paul Stewart discuss the men and women whose efforts empowered the abolitionist cause and laid the foundation for today’s civil rights movement in the United States. Learn more about the many records and resources available that document the work, bravery and leadership of those that fought for change.


Hidden in the Archives: Stories of New York’s Forgotten Female Figures - March 15, 2022

Though the stories of several prominent historical female figures have been explored, many more stories of everyday women whose impact on government, civil rights, labor, education, and war exist. Hear accounts about some of these interesting, lesser known 19th century New Yorker women that were found in historical repositories throughout the state. 


New York State as a Leader in Environmental Protection - April 26, 2022

 The environment has become one of the most critical issues of our time. Environmental policies developed in New York State have set national and international precedents. Join Tom Ruller and Aaron Mair as they discuss the history of environmental affairs reflected in records preserved at the State Archives and how, for over 125 years, New York has taken steps to steward our natural environment.


December 1813: The Fall of Fort Niagara and the Burning of the Niagara Frontier -May 10, 2022 

Join guest host Richard Comstock and author Richard Barbuto as they discuss the War of 1812 and the human catastrophe of the burning of the Niagara Frontier in December 1813. Only one home was spared along the 37-mile-long border and upwards of 6,000 refugees fled into the snowy forests heading for the Genesee River and safety.


Consider the Source New York

History Education: Bringing History Organizations and Educators Together - June 7, 2022

Learn more about efforts to build a statewide network of historians, archivists and educators for the promotion of authentic history education that elevates the voices of the underrepresented, uses historical records, and develops the next generation of active and engaged New York State citizens. The conversation will focus on applying a regional approach to this work given the demographic and geographic diversity of New York State and ConsidertheSourceNY.org.


Defending Gotham in 1814: Why New York City is NOT the Home of the Star-Spangled Banner - September 14, 2022

Richard Comstock, LTC, Retired, and Steward of the Archives Partnership Trust
Richard V. Barbuto, Professor Emeritus of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

An engaging discussion of the defense of New York City during the War of 1812. New Yorkers remembered the British occupation of their city during the Revolutionary War. Now, they learned of the catastrophic British attack on Washington, D.C. and were bracing for an even larger and more destructive onslaught. Learn how they prevented a British invasion and how their work left a permanent mark on New York City.


Who Owns a Photo of Your Face? The Right to Privacy & The Courts - October 18, 2022

Dr. Bruce W. Dearstyne, author of The Spirit of New York: Defining Events in the Empire State’s History and The Crucible of Public Policy: New York Courts in the Progressive Era
Henry M. Greenberg, Esq., Greenberg Traurig LLP shareholder & Vice Chair of the Historical Society of the New York Courts

This session explores the 1902 landmark decision Roberson v. Rochester Folding-Box Company and the privacy issues that reverberate today, Illustrating the powerful role of the courts in our lives.


Immigration is Key to the Future: Upstate New York Demonstrates - November 15, 2022 

Until now there was no comprehensive effort by which to judge the impact of immigrants on Upstate New York. Scott Fein, editor of Immigration: Key to the Future — The Benefits of Resettlement to Upstate New York and Tom Ruller, New York State Archivist, peer through the historical lens to examine how refugees have contributed to and even rejuvenated their communities by offsetting demographic and economic decline through paying taxes, rebuilding housing stock, opening new businesses, and taking unfilled jobs.


Censorship in Cinema: Zooming In - December 13, 2022

Laura Wittern-Keller, University at Albany, SUNY
Tom Ruller, New York State Archivist

Movie Censorship in New York: an Early Cancel Culture?  In the days before the Motion Picture Association developed a film rating system, movie producers and distributors had to apply for a permit with New York’s Division of Motion Picture to show their film in the state. The New York State Archives preserves the largest collection of film scripts from 1921-1965 in the world. Learn more about the contribution these scripts add to the history of censorship in New York and trace the shifting of American attitudes toward sex, religion and morality.


Mapping the Empire State: Discover New York through 10,000+ Maps Preserved at the State Archives - January 31, 2023

Tom Ruller, New York State Archives
Clare Flemming, New York State Archives

When one hears the term “primary source,” maps may not be the first thing that comes to mind—but these records are often rich resources, full of information. Watch a visually compelling and engaging program that highlights some of the cartographic resources preserved and made accessible at the State Archives.  The rich collection of maps preserved by the State Archives spans the colonial period to the present day.  These maps, and the information they contain, serve as a valuable resource for understanding communities, major public works projects like the Erie and Oswego canals, the changing environment and the lives of the individuals who have lived in our state over the past 400 years. 


A Bridge to Justice: The Life of Franklin H. Williams - February 7, 2023

Authors Enid Gort and John Caher discuss their new book, A Bridge to Justice: The Life of Franklin H. Williams. Williams was a visionary and trailblazer who devoted his life to the pursuit of civil rights—not through acrimony and violence and hatred, but through reason and example. A Bridge to Justice sheds new light on this practical, pragmatic bridge-builder and brilliant yet complex individual whose life reflected the opportunities and constraints of an intellectually elite Black man in the 20th century.


Finding What You Love in New York: Marketing the Empire State - March 21, 2023

Ross Levi, New York State Division of Tourism, I LOVE NY
Tom Ruller, New York State Archives

You don’t have to be a historian to appreciate New York State’s rich and diverse heritage. A wealth of memorable experiences—living history museums, forts and military landmarks, homes of presidents, great writers, activists and artists—awaits. Join Ross Levi and Tom Ruller for an engaging presentation that takes you across New York’s 11 unique regions to discover historic sites, abundant waters, natural wonders and more.


New York State Library

Tasting History - April 25, 2023

Elizabeth Jakubowski, New York State Library
Heather Carroll, New York State Archives

Enterprising culinary artists and fearless taste-testers at the New York State Library and New York State Archives came together to forge a series called “Tasting History.” All recipes were discovered in the collections of the Library and Archives and brought to fruition – including amazing meat sculptures, wartime “salads,” yummy desserts, and perhaps too much gelatin? Elizabeth Jakubowski and Heather Carroll showcase some of the recipes they found, how said recipes reflected the tastes of the times they were written, and share some of their favorites.


Renewed or Ruined? Teaching Urban Renewal in New York State - May 10, 2023

David Hochfelder, University at Albany, SUNY
Jordan Jace, New York State Archives Partnership Trust

Join David Hochfelder and Jordan Jace from the Trust's ConsidertheSourceNY.org to discuss the history of urban renewal and its impact on communities in New York. David is collaborating with our ConsidertheSourceNY.org Diversity and Collaborative Knowledge team to gather documents statewide for the creation of an educator resource focused on the societal impact of urban renewal projects.


New York Genealogical & Biographical Society

Researching New York Families: Writing the Book on the State Archives Records and Untold Discoveries - June 20, 2023

Jane E. Wilcox, Forget-Me-Not Ancestry
author of New York State Archives—A Guide
Tom Ruller, New York State Archives Partnership Trust

Join Tom Ruller and professional genealogist Jane E. Wilcox as they discuss Jane’s new book, New York State Archives—A Guide: For Family Historians, Biographers, and Historical Research, published by the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society. Jane will share insights and discoveries gleaned from poring through hundreds of colonial and state government records held by the archives and tell some stories of the people she met along the way.


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