Upcoming Events
The Online Speaker Series is back—and the 2026–2027 season is officially live. We are so excited for another season of compelling stories, fresh perspectives, and New York history you won’t want to miss. Explore the full lineup and reserve your spot today.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
The Black Watch
Speaker: Brian Keough, New York State Archivist
7 p.m. at the Chapman. Free for all.
Join “New York Archives” magazine for a riveting presentation led by New York State Archivist, Brian Keough.
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.
Brian Keough with discuss the Blacks 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.
Brian Keough is the State Archivist and Assistant Commissioner for the New York State Archives. Since 2001, he has led the M.E. Grenander Special Collections, Archives, & Preservation at the University at Albany. His work has included overseeing the vital New York Modern Political Archive and the National Death Penalty Archive, providing resources for researchers nationwide. Brian also maintained the University at Albany Archives and curated a collection of over 200,000 rare and specialized books dating from 1507 to 1950.
This program is free but does require registration. Space is limited.
To register, please call (518)793-2826.
Want to subscribe to the New York State Archives Magazine? Visit: https://www.nysarchivestrust.org/support-us/subscribe-renew-gift
SAVE THE DATE (April 20th, 2027) Symposium on the 250th Anniversary of the New York State Constitution
April 2027 marks the 250th anniversary of the first New York State constitution. The New York State Archives is hosting a symposium at the Cultural Education Center in Albany, NY on April 20th, 2027. In collaboration with Siena University’s McCormick Center for the Study of the American Revolution and the Historical Society of the New York Courts, the day long symposium will include distinguished and noted legal and constitutional history scholars discussing the development and significance of the New York State Constitution.
Registration will be available soon!
Recurring Events
NY Archives JR! Investigation Station
Where: New York State Museum, Kids Cove
When: Every Thursday 10:30 AM - 11:30 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!
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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).
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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!
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
New York History Conference
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
"When Hamilton Called Albany Home"
This was a special collaborative program between the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and "New York Archives" magazine as we explored Alexander Hamilton’s deep connections to the Capital Region and the influential circles that shaped his legacy.
Through engaging discussion and historical insight,Schuyler Mansion Site Manager, Heidi Hill, highlighted Albany’s role in Hamilton’s life—from his ties to the prominent Schuyler family to the broader political and social networks that helped define a young nation.
