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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. In addition, three temporary exhibitions exploring major events in New York’s history are open at the State Museum: A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War; Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal; and Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial (opens November 4).

"As we celebrate New York State History Month in November, we thank public historians, educators and curators across the state who keep New York's history alive," said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. "Studying our history helps us understand the evolution of our country and the valuable lessons from the past hopefully will guide our future.  It's so important for our children and students to understand New York’s history, so we encourage them to participate in History Month programs in their community and visit our state's great cultural institutions such as the State Museum, Library and Archives.”

“We’re proud to celebrate our state’s rich history in November and I encourage all New Yorkers to visit some of our extraordinary cultural institutions, museums, libraries, archives, and historic sites located across New York,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “I applaud historians and cultural institutions across the state that work every day to preserve, protect and promote our state’s rich heritage for our children and future generations.” 

“2017 continues to be a major year for celebrating history in New York State,” said New York State Historian Devin Lander, “History Month provides an opportunity to promote the vital work of historians across the state as well as celebrate major events like the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New York, the 100^th anniversary of the U.S. entering WWI, and the 200^th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the Erie Canal, as well as the 240^th anniversary of the first NYS Constitution, the Burning of Kingston and the Battles of Saratoga.”

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: Votes for Women Gallery Tour
Monday, November 6 | Noon
Take a lunchtime tour of the Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial exhibition.

Lunch Bite: Erie Canal Gallery Tour
Tuesday, November 7 | Noon
Take a lunchtime tour of phase one of Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal exhibition.

A Spirit of Sacrifice Gallery Tour
Saturday, November 11 | Noon
Take a guided tour of A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War exhibition.

The Empire State and the War of Empires, 1917 - 1918
Saturday, November 11 | 1:00 p.m.
University at Albany Professor Richard Fogarty will discuss several aspects of the global war that New Yorkers joined in 1917: World War I.

Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom – A Lecture and Book Signing by Russell Shorto
Monday, November 13 | 7:00 p.m.
Join author and historian Russell Shorto as he discusses his newest book, Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom. A book signing will follow.

Brain Food for the Curious: Contemporary Native American Art Collection
Tuesday, November 14 | 12:10 p.m.
Enjoy a short lunchtime talk and learn about the Museum’s Contemporary Native American Art Collection, which includes photography, basketry, painting and intricately carved woodwork.

Hudson Valley Ruins Gallery Tour
Saturday, November 18 | 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Thomas Rinaldi and Robert Yasinsac, photographers and authors of the book Hudson Valley Ruins: Forgotten Landmark of an American Landscape, will present a gallery tour of the exhibition.

Votes for Women Public Reception and Gallery Tour
Sunday, November 19 | 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial and take a 1:30 tour of the exhibition with the curators.

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Museum’s History Collection
Sunday, November 19 | 2:00 p.m.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the State Museum’s history collection. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 518-474-0575.

Brain Food for the Curious: Astronauts of Inner-Space – The Millbrook Commune and the ‘60s
Tuesday, November 28 | 12:10 p.m.
Enjoy a short lunchtime talk and learn about the history of the Millbrook Commune, Timothy Leary’s ‘Grounded Space Colony’ housed on a 2,500 acre estate in Dutchess County.

In addition, the Museum’s Office of State History Outreach website offers an online portal of information about historical research, news, grant opportunities and events happening around New York State. The website is 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 website also offers a New York State History Month promotion kit to encourage cultural institutions and historians statewide to plan and promote public programs in their community. Cultural institutions are encouraged to submit their History Month events and programs for listing on the Office of State History website.

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 represents the 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.