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The New York State Museum will celebrate New York State History Month in November with a variety of free public programs for children, families, and adults. The Museum also recently launched a website to share information about historical research, news, and resources: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research-collections/state-history.

“History can help us understand our past and shape our future,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa. “New York State History Month is a time to thank the historians across the state – public historians, educators, curators, and professors – who keep history alive and promote the importance of learning about our state’s past. I encourage children of all ages to explore New York’s rich cultural history through resources in your classroom or school, or by visiting a nearby museum or historic site.”

“Events will be held across the state in celebration of New York State History Month,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “At these events, New Yorkers can learn about the Empire State’s history at museums, libraries and cultural institutions. The Board of Regents and I invite everyone – students, teachers and families – to celebrate New York State History Month by attending a history program in your community.”

“New York State’s history is second to none when it comes to international importance, depth and breadth,” said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. “The State Museum, along with thousands of other museums across the state, is pleased to offer a variety of history programs for visitors to enjoy during New York State History Month.”

“New York State History Month gives us an opportunity to focus on and celebrate our shared past,” said State Historian Devin Lander. “It’s a statewide opportunity to celebrate those working in the field of history, including New York State’s unique matrix of village, town, city, county, and borough historians. These keepers of our collective heritage are some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable municipal workers in local government and provide the invaluable service of preserving, protecting, and promoting New York’s local and state history.” 

The following is a schedule of free New York State History Month programs at the State Museum located at 222 Madison Avenue, Albany:

Lunch Bite Gallery Tour: Henry DiSpirito: From Stonemason to Sculptor
November 3 | 12:00 p.m.
Learn about Henry DiSpirito’s training as a sculptor and his work Torso, on view in New York Hall. 

Presidential Campaigns: An Election Year History
November 3, 10 & 17 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This series invites participants to examine, discuss, and enjoy the history of the United States presidential campaigns from 1789 to 2012.

Cinema Sunday: Men Of Bronze
November 6 | 2:00 p.m.
MEN OF BRONZE is a film about the black American soldiers of the 369th combat regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters", who served with the French Army in World War I. Following the screening, there will be a brief Q&A session with Senior Historian Aaron Noble and State Historian Devin Lander. 

Brain Food for the Curious: New York’s Presidents and Presidential Contenders
November 8 | 12:10 p.m.
Six presidents have hailed from New York; another nine have run for the nation’s highest elected office but lost. Explore the history of these New Yorkers and their quests for the White House.

Hudson Valley Ruins Lecture and Book Signing
November 12 | 1:00 p.m.
Join photographers Thomas Rinaldi and Robert Yasinsac as they present photographs from the Hudson Valley Ruins exhibition, together with historic images, to tell the story of the region through its ruins. 

Preserving the Garden: The Road to Recognizing Historic Woodstock Festival Site
November 13 | 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Off-Site Program: Learn about one of the pivotal moments of the 1960s – the Woodstock Music and Art Fair – and the efforts to preserve and secure official historic designation for the festival site. The Museum at Bethel Woods is located at 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY.

Creative Art Day: Preparing for St. Nicholas
November 19 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Learn about the holiday traditions of New York’s Dutch settlers. Discover how St. Nicholas Day was celebrated and make your own ornament.

Family Fun Day: The State Museum’s Carousel Celebration
November 19 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Learn about the Museum’s historic carousel through fun and educational activities for the whole family.

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Museum’s History Collections
November 20 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Take a tour of the Museum’s history collections from decorative arts to military to social history. Space is limited; registration is required. Call 518-474-0575 to register.

Brain Food for the Curious: Erie Canal Warehouse
November 22 | 12:10 p.m.
Learn about the history of an Erie Canal warehouse that was located in Mohawk, NY. The Museum’s has numerous objects from the warehouse including a giant windlass/hoist that raised and lowered cargo from wagons and canal boats.

The Museum’s new Office of State History Outreach website is an online portal that provides information about historical research, news, grant opportunities and events happening around New York State. The goal of the website is to provide an online resource for historians throughout the state to learn about the work of fellow historians and identify opportunities for increased coordination and collaboration. The link to the website is: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research-collections/state-history.

In 1997, the New York State Legislature established November as New York State History Month with the goal “to celebrate the history of New York state and recognize the contributions of state and local historians.” New York State History Month is an opportunity for historians, museums and cultural institutions to highlight importance of New York State’s history through public programs, exhibitions and other learning opportunities.

The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.