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Research & Collections

From its beginning in 1836, the New York State Museum has been home to some of the nation’s leading scientists, including pioneers in archaeology, paleontology, ethnology, and botany. Its collections now rank among the finest in many fields and total more than sixteen million specimens, objects, and artifacts. 

 

Archaeology

Archaeology

Biology

Biology

Ethnography

Ethnography

Geology

Geology

History

History

Paleontology

Paleontology

Research at the New York State Museum today is as exciting as it is varied, with scientists and historians actively directing projects in biology, anthropology, geology, paleontology, and history. Research by staff represents one tangible way in which information about the natural and cultural histories of New York, and the world, is made available to the public. Research findings are presented in scholarly and popular publications, at professional meetings, in exhibitions, and in public programs.

Researchers throughout the world use the collections of the New York State Museum to address questions about New York's natural and human heritage. The Museum’s collections are made available to researchers and scholars and are also used in exhibitions and public programs. Participation in Museum collections curation and research projects is possible through internships and volunteer opportunities.

To explore the Museum’s Research and Collections Division, hover your mouse over the Research and Collections block at the top navigation bar.

News Articles

Expanding Access through Digitization!

Published February 17, 2025 | Botany Mycology

Museums worldwide are actively digitizing their collections to enhance accessibility and broaden public engagement. This initiative increases the visibility and appreciation of valuable artifacts among the diverse communities that institutions lik...

Unearthing Ceramic Technology and Pottery Traditions at the Mohawk Garoga Site

Published October 23, 2024 | Native American Archaeology

The Haudenosaunee (meaning “People of the Longhouse” or Iroquois) are famous for their pottery. In the 16th century, they produced thin walled, finely tempered pots of various sizes with well-defined collars decorated with incised geometric patter...

Exhibit Feature: Canine Contrasts: Unraveling Wolves and Coyotes in New York

Published July 12, 2024 | Mammalogy

The New York State Museum's latest exhibit feature Canine Contrasts: Unraveling Wolves and Coyotes in New York introduces the fascinating world of wolves and coyotes as it tells the story of a wolf recently mistaken for a coyote and killed ne...

Hallowing This Ground: The Courtland Street Burials and Lake George Battlefield Park

Published July 9, 2024 | Bioarchaeology

On February 7, 2019, a housing development excavation destroyed numerous unmarked military graves on Courtland Street in Lake George village. Following reports of exposed human remains, Lisa Anderson, curator of bioarchaeology at the New York Stat...

A Centennial Celebration of the Fourth of July

Published July 1, 2024 | Cultural History

A majestic American eagle clutches two 32-star flags and carries a pennant in its beak declaring "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Overhead, sun rays and a laurel sprig shine down, while beneath, another laurel sprig sits over a shiel...

NYSM Bioarchaeology Staff Study Remains of Revolutionary War Soldiers

Published June 24, 2024 | Bioarchaeology

In 2019, bones dating back to the late 18th century were uncovered at a Lake George Village construction site. For the past four years, NYSM bioarchaeology staff Lisa Anderson, Julie Weatherwax, and Alexandra DeCarlo have been working together wit...

Exhibit Feature: Canine Contrasts: Unraveling Wolves and Coyotes in New York

Published June 17, 2024 | Mammalogy

The New York State Museum's latest exhibit feature Canine Contrasts: Unraveling Wolves and Coyotes in New York introduces the fascinating world of wolves and coyotes as it tells the story of a wolf recently mistaken for a coyote and killed ne...

New York State Geoparks Highlighted in New Videos

Published March 26, 2024 | Geology

Two videos on classic geologic sites in New York are available from the Geological Society of America “Geoheritage” program. The videos, made by Drs. Ed Landing (New York State Paleontologist, emeritus) and Alexander Bartholomew (SUNY-New Paltz, g...

From Field to Lab: Research Associate in Ornithology Connects Conservation with Museum Collections

Published February 5, 2024 | Ornithology

Locally-based Ornithologist Dr. Taza Schaming was appointed as a Research Associate in 2023, and has been assisting Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, NYSM Curator of Birds and Mammals, in our specimen preparation lab, turning salvaged birds into research speci...

NYSM Archaeologist Featured in the Times Union for Research Identifying 19th-Century African American Farms

Published February 5, 2024 | Historical Archaeology

NYSM Historical Archaeologist Michael Lucas and his team were recently featured in the Times Union for their fieldwork and research leading to the identification of Albany-area farms owned and operated by African Americans during the 1800s. Dis...

NYSM Archaeologist Talks Trash with the New Amsterdam History Center

Published January 31, 2024 | Historical Archaeology

On Thursday, February 8 from 6-7:30pm, NYSM Historical Archaeologist Michael Lucas joins the New Amsterdam History Center for the online event, "Trash Talk: A Lively Discussion of 17th Century Refuse, Recycling, and the Reshaping of Manahatta's ...

Coupling Indigenous Artwork and Ancient Artifacts

Published January 22, 2024 | Native American Archaeology

The New York State Museum maintains its extensive material collections for the benefit of individuals and communities across the New York region and beyond. Increasingly, indigenous scholars, artists, and community members are accessing the NYSM's...

New Publication on the Devonian Features Significant Contributions from NYSM Geologist

Published December 11, 2023 | Devonian Geology

The Devonian Period occurred between 419.2 million and 358.9 million years ago. Devonian-age rocks in New York State have been utilized by geologists, paleontologists, and educators to study the development of life, understand geological ...