October is New York State History and Archives Month!
Throughout the month, historians, scholars, curators, preservationists, librarians, archivists, genealogists, re-enactors, and educators across the state come together to celebrate and promote New York’s rich and complex history.
It’s also a time to honor the essential role of archives in recording and preserving our history. We recognize the enduring value of our documentary heritage and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.
Join us this October for a range of special in-person programs at the New York State Museum—and explore additional resources below.
Programs at the NYSM
Educator Guides to NYSM Exhibitions & Programs
- A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War
- Votes for Women Educator's Guide and Graphic Organizers
- The First Step to Freedom: The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
- Fifteenth Amendment: Educational Activities
- Martin Luther King, Jr. 1962 Address to the New York State Civil War Centennial Commission
- The Historic Woodstock Art Colony (Painting, Photography, Sculpture)
- Henry DiSpirito: Stonemason to Sculptor (Sculpture)
- The Landscape of Memory - Prints by Frank C. Eckmair (Printmaking)
- Berenice Abbott (Photography)
- Seneca Ray Stoddard (Photography)
Statewide Programs & Resources
Statewide Events, Programs, and More!
Visit the Office of State History events page for a comprehensive list of statewide events, lectures, site visits, and more related to New York State History Month!
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research-collections/state-history/events
Resources for Educators
Earn CTLE in New York History
The NYSM currently offers several CTLE programs with an emphasis on events and artifacts central to the history of New York State.
Path Through History
Discover how I Love NY's Path Through History can guide you to over 500 historical attractions and sites across New York!
https://iloveny.com/pth-nyshistorymonth
Organizations! Submit your events to Path Through History here: https://iloveny.com/pth-submit
Be sure to select “NYS History Month” as an event category.
Additional Resources from the Office of Cultural Education
New York State Archives
October is also American Archives Month!
New York is home to thousands of repositories, including the New York State Archives, that preserve and make accessible the primary source materials that help tell the history of our great state.
Visit the New York Archives Partnership Trust "Archives Month Resource Page" to learn more!
New York State Library
Visit the State Library’s website to learn more about these online events that relate to New York State History and more!
Online: The Erie Canal - Resources Available at the New York State Library
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
12-1 pm
Online: Stories from the Field: Love Canal Interview Redaction
Thursday, October 23, 2025
2-3 pm
Talking Book and Braille Library
In celebration of New York State History Month, we have curated a selection of braille and audiobooks for all ages. These titles are specifically formatted for people who are blind and print disabled. We encourage you to share them with friends and family who are patrons of the Talking Book and Braille Library or would like to begin service with us. Not eligible for our service? Your public library may have the same titles in a format that is available to you.
PBS Learning Media
The History of the United State and New York Collection features resources from public broadcasting designed to complement the New York State Social Studies Framework for Grades 4, 7, and 8.
These free, media-rich resources and accompanying support materials are aligned with the key ideas for each grade level as outlined in the Framework. Each topic contains video-based resources you can use to bring history to life for your students.
A New York Minute in History Podcast
With the state’s hundreds of historical markers as a guide, this podcast explores the people, places, and experiences that made New York. New episodes are launched monthly, each telling the unique tales of New Yorkers throughout American history.
The latest episode celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal its vital importance today and into the future!
Listen here: https://wamcpodcasts.org/podcast/happy-200th-birthday-to-the-erie-canal/
NYS 250th Commemoration Commission
Discover New York’s 250th Commemoration Commission, created to honor the state’s vital role in the American Revolution and 250 years of striving toward our founding ideals. Learn how exhibitions, events, and programs will bring this history and its ongoing legacy to life.
New York History Conference Resources
It's never too soon to make history! Learn how to participate in the upcoming conference, June 11-12, 2026.
Download information on how to promote History Month events in your community.
Planning for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation is underway. Explore themes and suggestions for how your community or organization can recognize the American Revolution commemorative era from 2025 through 2033.
Discover the New York History Journal!
Learn how to subscribe to the journal, purchase past issues, or submit articles.
Compete in Capital Region History Day!
It's never too soon to learn how to participate in this "historic" competition held annually in March.
Office of State History
Your year-round resource for NY's history-related news, events, and resources.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Explore resources that honor the diverse histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities throughout New York State.
The Erie Canal Turns 200!
Completed on October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal transformed New York into the nation's leading hub of international commerce, reshaping the state's economic and cultural landscape forever. To help explore this remarkable legacy, we’ve gathered a variety of resources from the New York State Museum, Archives, Library, and more.
Enterprising Waters Traveling Exhibition Panels
Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal is a traveling eight-panel exhibition from the New York State Museum that brings the canal’s visionary history, lasting impact, and bicentennial commemoration directly to schools and cultural institutions across New York. Discover how to access and download the exhibition panels to share this story with your community.
Erie Canal Resources from PBS
Explore a rich collection of PBS LearningMedia video resources that bring the Erie Canal’s history to life—perfect for educators and learners curious about its engineering marvels, economic impact, and cultural legacy.
Featured Video
NYSM History Video Library
