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The New York State Office of Cultural Education is excited to announce the launch of a new video series, “Look at This!”—a lively, behind-the-scenes journey that pulls back the curtain to show viewers the often unseen quirky, captivating, and surprising collections housed in the state’s cultural institutions.

Created to engage audiences of all ages, “Look at This!” spotlights the unexpected and conversation-starting objects from the extensive holdings of the New York State Museum, Library, and Archives. Season one kicks off with eleven episodes featuring the Museum’s most curious artifacts—from oddball inventions such as dog treadmills and egg vending machines to endearing relics like the Beech-Nut Circus Bus. Each video is roughly two minutes long and presented with nostalgia, historical insight, and a sense of wonder.

Interim Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education Michael Mastroianni said, “This series is all about sharing the joy and wonder of discovery. We have millions of artifacts, specimens, and items in our possession and these collections belong to all New Yorkers. ‘Look at This!’ offers a fun, accessible way for everyone to explore some of the State’s greatest treasures. We understand that not everyone can visit the Museum in person, so this allows us to bring the Museum to them in a fresh and engaging new way through the power of social media.”

Featured in the first season is Senior Historian Steve Loughman, who brings his wit, passion, and deep knowledge to all eleven episodes. Loughman said, “I always tell our guests that history is full of surprises — and this series proves it. These artifacts are not just informative; they’re downright fun and it’s a privilege to be able to share them with a new audience. I think people will see history and the New York State Museum in a whole new way.”

The first three episodes can be found on the New York State Museum’s YouTube channel and social media accounts. New episodes will premiere every other Wednesday.

This is just the beginning — future seasons and spin-off series will expand beyond the Museum to showcase the expertise and behind-the-scenes stories of the New York State Library and Archives. From rare books and hidden documents to the dedicated professionals who preserve and interpret them, viewers will gain a unique and engaging glimpse into the heart of New York’s cultural heritage.

Don’t miss out — subscribe to the State Museum’s YouTube channel today and get ready to Look at This!

About the Cultural Education Center     

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website.     

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. Visit the New York State Library website for a complete list of upcoming programs. To receive news, resources, and other updates, please subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.      

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York’s State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York’s history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.      

The Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more.     

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.