Press

On Friday, May 28th the New York State Museum will receive a donation of artifacts, memorabilia and objects associated with 20th Century African-American culture from the Girl Friends, Incorporated, an international organization of women of African descent who promote educational and civic causes.

Spearheaded by local Girl Friend, Barbara Zuber of Troy, members of the organization will donate and loan to the State Museum objects and ephemera that once belonged to James Weldon Johnson, John Rosamond Johnson, Ethel Waters, Elmer Campbell and others who have made significant contributions to the history and development of New York culture and were associated with members of Girl Friends, Incorporated.

In addition to Mrs. Zuber, Melanie Edwards and Karen Day Selsey of New York City will also make donations or loans to the Museum. The presentation will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Museum Theater at the State Museum and will be part of the Girl Friends' national conference being held in Albany during Memorial Day weekend.

The decision to donate or loan the items was triggered by the loss the Girl Friends experienced when the group's materials were destroyed with the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11th. Many of the materials lost represented the organization's history, some dating back to the group's founding in New York City in the early 20th century. Their loss made members keenly aware of the importance of preserving the documents and history that represent the growth of African-American culture in this country.

The State Museum has long sought a focus for a collection on African- American culture that would not replicate other collections around the state or the country. Members of the local Albany Girl Friends' chapter wanted to preserve objects that belonged to noted African-Americans who took part in
significant social movements in New York State, beginning with the Harlem Renaissance. The donations from the Girl Friends are the beginning of what will someday be a significant Museum collection on 20th century African-American culture that will be a resource for educators and scholars for many years to come.

The New York State Museum is a program of the New York State Department of Education, the University of the State of New York and the Office of Cultural Education. Started in 1836, the Museum has the longest continuously operating state natural history research and collection survey in the United States. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

The New York State Museum is located on Madison Avenue in Albany. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week throughout the year except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.