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.

We're commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation. Explore themes and suggestions for how your community or organization can recognize the American Revolution commemorative era from 2025 through 2033.

Edited by Bruce W. Dearstyne

Revolutionary New York explores 250 years of transformative moments that have shaped New York—and the nation—through sixteen compelling stories of conflict, innovation, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality. The volume includes chapters by New York State Museum historians Brad Utter and Ashley Hopkins-Benton, whose research highlights New York's enduring role in the American Revolution and the state's continued evolution.

Revolutionary New York - Capitol Connection Podcast
Join Senior NYSM Historian Brad Utter as he discusses his chapter, “Clinton’s Ditch and the Birth of the Erie Canal” from the new book Revolutionary New York: 250 Years of Social Change. 
 

Edited by Thomas S. Wermuth, Devin Lander, Jennifer Lemak, and Robert Chiles. Foreword by Russell Shorto.

Fire and Freedom offers a fresh perspective on the American Revolution by revealing New York's pivotal role through compelling stories that extend beyond the battlefield and uncover people and events often left out of traditional histories. Through essays by leading historians, the book explores how politics, resistance, and the experiences of Indigenous, enslaved, and everyday New Yorkers helped shape the Revolution and its lasting legacy.
 

Explore America's Tapestry, a nationwide collaborative project that tells the story of the American Revolution through thirteen beautifully embroidered panels, each created in partnership with one of the original colonies. Blending history, artistry, and traditional needlework, the project offers a unique way to discover our nation's founding while celebrating the enduring craft of American embroidery.

America's Tapestry will be on display at the New York State Museum from November 2027 through February 2028. 

Featured Video by WPBS: Learn about New York's tapestry panel depicting the 1783 Birch Trials, when British officials honored promises of freedom to thousands of formerly enslaved Black Loyalists after the Revolutionary War.

Celebrating America's 250th anniversary, the Tapestry of New York invites students across New York State to share creative works inspired by the theme "We the People." The online gallery highlights young people's perspectives on the American Revolution and the ongoing story of our nation.

Call for Submissions! We invite all K–12 students across New York State to submit their artwork.