The journal of record for the history of the Empire State will continue in collaboration with the New York State Museum
Ithaca, New York, November 15, 2018—Cornell University Press announces that, beginning in 2019, the Press will publish the century-old journal, New York History. Working in association with an editorial team at the New York State Museum, Cornell University Press will expand the scope of the journal to include public history and museum studies. The first issue published under this new arrangement will appear, in both print and electronic formats, in July.
“This marks a new start for this venerable journal and the transition in proprietorship comes at a critical moment for the research, writing, curation, and teaching of the history of New York State,” commented Michael J. McGandy, Senior Editor at Cornell University Press. “Scholarship is changing in methods and media, while public history is becoming more important. Beginning with volume 100, New York History will reflect these changes in the historical profession and better meet the needs of New York State citizens.”
New York History, founded in 1919 as The Quarterly Journal of the New York State Historical Association, is the foremost scholarly journal addressing the state’s past. The New York State Historical Association, now known as Fenimore Art Museum, created and supported the journal. Since 2012, an editorial group based at the State University of New York at Oneonta—currently composed of Thomas D. Beal, Susan Goodier, and Danny L. Noorlander—has overseen the daily operations of the journal and managed its transition to digital publication.
“Our long history with New York History, and in particular the distinguished editorship, from 1964 to 1999, of Wendell Tripp, compelled us to seek a proprietorship that would ensure that the journal continues to thrive and satisfy the needs of the historical community,” said Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, Fenimore Art Museum President and CEO. “We believe that Cornell University Press and the New York State Museum will take New York History to new heights in the years to come and to show our confidence in them, we intend to provide financial support for the journal for the first three years of this transition.”
With the active collaboration of New York State Historian, Devin Lander, and Chief Curator of History at the New York State Museum, Jennifer Lemak, the mission of the journal will have a new focus and the editors aim to unify the diverse field of New York State history and meet the needs of a growing historical community.
“I think we have a great opportunity with the journal to bring the diverse New York State historical community together for the betterment of the field,” Lemak noted.” Devin and I are excited to be a part of the future of New York History.”
For Cornell University Press, the acquisition of New York History is part of a growing publishing program addressing the history, arts, culture, science, politics, and current events of New York State. “The aims of New York History fit well with Cornell’s land grant mission, which includes sharing knowledge so as to make a difference in New York State, the United States, and the world,” said Dean J. Smith, Director of Cornell University Press. “From our books on citizen science in New York State to our regional trade imprint, Three Hills, Cornell University Press is a key contributor in a network of institutions generating historical, social and cultural, and scientific knowledge relevant to the state.”
New York History, now published twice a year, will present articles dealing with every aspect of New York State history, as well as reviews of books, exhibitions, and media projects with a New York focus. Lander and Lemak invite article submissions (NYHJ@nysed.gov) and Cornell University Press encourages current and past subscribers, both individuals and institutions, to inquire about subscriptions (nyhjournal@cornell.edu).
For more information, contact Cheryl Quimba, 607-882-2248 orcq43@cornell.edu
