Stefan Bielinski Memorial Donation

Stefan Bielinski Photo

“Understanding how people lived in the past helps those living today to comprehend relevant issues and to make informed choices. The role of the historian in our society is to help people prepare for the future by enabling them to see how the past relates to the present.” Steve Bielinski, 2011

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague from the NYS Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education, which includes the New York State Museum, State Library, and State Archives. Steve served as Senior Historian in the State Museum for almost forty-three years before retiring in 2013. One of his most significant achievements included the creation of a groundbreaking historical database that chronicles the history of Albany and its inhabitants from the 1600s to the early 1800s. The project, known as The Colonial Albany Social History Project, originated in 1981 with the aim of exploring pre-industrial community life through the study of over 16,000 diverse individuals who resided in Albany during its foundational years. Additionally, Steve helped establish the Conference on New York State History and was a huge advocate of public history.  Donations made in memory of Steve will benefit joint outreach programs between the State Museum and the Trust.  

To donate online, please complete the form below. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to New York State Archives Partnership Trust, write Stefan Bielinski Memorial in the memo,  and send to:


New York State Archives Partnership Trust
Cultural Education Center, Suite 9C49
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230