ALBANY — 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 opened Nov. 4.
The following is a schedule of free New York State History Month programs at the State Museum located at 222 Madison Avenue, Albany:
∫ Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom — a lecture and book signing by Russell Shorto
Monday at 7 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 at 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 at 1 and 3 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
Nov. 19 at 1 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
Nov. 19 at 2 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
Nov. 28 at 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.
The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Ave., the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events may be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.
