Join Dr. Lisa Amati for an in-person behind-the-scenes tour of the New York State Museum’s Paleontology Collection. The tour provides a glimpse into our vast holdings of invertebrate fossils. Learn about how specimens are organized, stored, and catalogued, and view cases full of fossil trilobites, cephalopods, and crinoids from the Invertebrate Paleontology Collection. Participants will also see specimens of the world-famous Gilboa tree fossils from the Paleobotany Collection.

Visitors should meet in the Museum Lobby prior to the start of the tour.

Registration

The 2025 Anthropology Teacher Workshop will be a one-day program learning about New Netherland held in person at the New York State Museum on Friday, March 14, 2025. Anthropology is a science that reaches into many disciplines making it particularly useful for teaching many subject areas.

The workshop is presented by PhD-level State Museum scientists, including State Archaeologist and Co-Director of the Cultural Resource Survey Program Christina Rieth, Curator of Historic Archaeology Michael Lucas, Co-Director of Cultural Resource Survey Program Daria Merwin, New Netherland Research Center Director Charles Gehring and Associate Director Chelsea Teale, Bureau of Historic Sites Interpreter of African American History Lavada Nahon, and James Bradley. 

Teachers will have the opportunity to earn six CTLE clock hours by completing the workshop. They will gain valuable insight into the forefront of scientific research happening right here in New York State. The workshop is aligned with the NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards.

Spend the day learning about New York’s rich history. Enjoy interactive experiences with interpretive historians, collections-highlighting tours and programs, and hands-on opportunities to engage the whole family. 

Join us at the NYS Museum for a showing of Searching for Timbuctoo (2021), a film by writer and photographer Paul Miller. In 1846 New York State enacted a law requiring African American men to own $250 worth of property to vote. To circumvent this unjust law, radical abolitionist Gerrit Smith gave away 120,000 acres of land in Essex and Franklin Counties to 3,000 free Black men, thereby qualifying them to vote. Searching for Timbuctoo tells the history of this forgotten settlement and New York State on the brink of the Civil War and follows an archaeology team looking to unearth evidence of the community. (The 55-minute film will run on a loop throughout the day.)

View the trailer: https://www.timbuctoofilm.com/

Join hosts Frieda and Carmie at the New York State Museum for a fun-filled, fabulous family show. There will be songs, games, prizes, and sing-alongs for kids of all ages. Bring the entire family for a one-of-a-kind afternoon of fun and music.

For information on other 2024 Capital Pride events, visit www.518capitalpride.com/.

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today.

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and head wear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s.
 

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today.

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and head wear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s.

Join Senior Historian, Ashley Hopkins-Benton as she highlights some of the LGBTQ+ stories that can be found in the New York State Museum’s galleries.

Throughout its history, New Yorkers have led the charge for equality, including fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. In 1969, a spark was lit in the already growing gay rights movement at the Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village, New York City. As the movement continued to grow nationally over the next few decades, New Yorkers participated in activism across the state, from the struggles of Gay Liberation through the AIDS crisis to the successful fight for marriage equality in 2011.

New York holds a special place in LGBTQ+ history, as a haven for those in search of a safer environment and like-minded companionship. Across the state, the LGBTQ+ community has celebrated its strength and diversity, while working for equal rights, visibility, and inclusion through protests, Pride celebrations, and community center activities.   

Throughout the summer, programs designed to spark creativity and curiosity will pop-up around the Museum. These family-friendly programs will change regularly, so make sure to come back!

This program series is supported by Albany City Summer Youth Employment.

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today.

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and head wear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s.

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today.

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and head wear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s.

Pedro A. Regalado is Assistant Professor of History at Stanford University where he researches and teaches the history of race, immigration, planning, and capitalism in urban America. His first book, Nueva York: Making the Modern City, is a history of New York City’s Latinx community during the 20th century, from the “pioneers” who arrived after World War I to the panoply of Latinx people who rebuilt the city in the wake of the 1975 fiscal crisis. Across a range of topics, from urban renewal to the rise of Latinx bankers, US military operations in Central America to drug workers who repurposed tenement buildings, Nueva York demonstrates how the democratic ideals of the city hinged, in large part, on the experiences of Latinx New Yorkers.

Regalado’s work has been featured in the Journal of Urban History, Boston Review, The Washington Post, Platform, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Public Books. Before coming to Stanford, Regalado was a junior fellow of the Society of Fellows at Harvard University. Born in the Dominican Republic, he was raised in New York City’s Washington Heights.
 

We invite families to join us for a book reading followed by an age-appropriate tour of the exhibit World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response led by New York State Museum Senior Historian and Curator Aaron Noble as we commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Explore the genetic and physical differences between wolves and coyotes by joining Dr. Jeremy Kirchman as he sheds light on the historical decline of wolves and the colonization of coyotes in New York. Learn how the history of coyote-wolf hybridization has made it difficult, for hunters and wildlife management agencies, to distinguish our ubiquitous eastern coyote from the occasional wolf that wanders outside of its core breeding range in neighboring Canada.  

This program includes a 20-minute talk, and a brief Q&A. Participants are welcome to bring their lunches. 

Explore the genetic and physical differences between wolves and coyotes by joining Dr. Jeremy Kirchman as he sheds light on the historical decline of wolves and the colonization of coyotes in New York. Learn how the history of coyote-wolf hybridization has made it difficult, for hunters and wildlife management agencies, to distinguish our ubiquitous eastern coyote from the occasional wolf that wanders outside of its core breeding range in neighboring Canada. 

This program includes a 20-minute talk, and a brief Q&A. Participants are welcome to bring their lunches. 

Celebrate National Carousel Day on July 25th with a day of fun activities at the New York State Museum. Enjoy carousel-themed stories, crafts, and, of course, a ride on the Museum's 110-year-old carousel. This free, family-friendly event will have everyone spinning with joy!

National Carousel Day commemorates the registration of the first patent for a carousel design by William Schneider on July 25, 1871.

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today. 

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and headwear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s. 
 

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today. 

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and headwear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s. 
 

Join the New York State Museum and WMHT to celebrate the colorful characters, entertaining videos, and magical music of Sesame Street! Visit the Sesame Street exhibit to see the famous set and enjoy the fun activities. Let’s celebrate 55 years of making early childhood education accessible to every child in the world.

Some of the festivities include:

• Make and “mail” a birthday card to Sesame Street
• Dance to Sesame Street hits
• Enjoy a Sesame Street-themed ride on the NYSM’s historic Carousel
• Take home PBS Learning Media resources
• Create and color fun crafts
• Celebrate with a birthday hat or crown
• Learn more about Sesame Street and PBS with information and takeaway fun with WMHT

Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) shares Stories from the People of the Longhouse. This storytelling presentation is filled with traditional Haudenosaunee legends that have been told for hundreds of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people and continue to be an important part of Haudenosaunee culture. 

“You are what you eat” is a true saying that paleontologists can use to understand the diets of extinct animals. Chemicals from food get incorporated into the body, like bones and teeth, and by analyzing these chemicals, paleontologists can understand the diets and dietary differences of animals that lived in the past. During this talk, Dr. Robert Feranec, curator of Ice Age animals, will discuss the diversity of different animals that lived in New York and their diets during the Ice Age. 

“You are what you eat” is a true saying that paleontologists can use to understand the diets of extinct animals. Chemicals from food get incorporated into the body, like bones and teeth, and by analyzing these chemicals, paleontologists can understand the diets and dietary differences of animals that lived in the past. During this talk, Dr. Robert Feranec, curator of Ice Age animals, will discuss the diversity of different animals that lived in New York and their diets during the Ice Age. This fun, interactive program is free. Food and drink are not included. 

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is located at 79 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207.
www.thehollowalbany.com

Join NYSM Curator of Birds and Mammals Dr. Jeremy Kirchman on a guided tour of our renovated permanent exhibit on the birds of New York State.  

Archaeology and genealogy are critical components for understanding our past. Learn how Dr. Paul Huey and Dr. Michael Lucas use these components to help create a more accurate picture of the material culture, architecture, and people of New York. This event is jointly sponsored by the New York State Museum and the Capital District Genealogical Society (CDGS). For more information on how to become a member of the CDGS, please visit https://www.cdgsny.org/.

This presentation comprises of two separate talks, followed by a Q&A session:

Dr. Paul Huey discusses the careful genealogical research necessary for the correct identification and interpretation of the physical and archaeological evidence at two historic sites that were the homes of tenant farmers in the Manor of Rensselaerswyck in the 18th century. Archaeological excavations have occurred at both sites. One site, where the house is still standing, is the Vandenburgh-Mark House in the Town of Colonie, Albany County. The other site is the Martin Gehler, Jr., site in the Town of Schodack, Rensselaer County. The Gehler site is now occupied by a Stewart’s convenience store and gas station. Analysis of Van Rensselaer Manor leases and maps clarified the evidence from artifacts.

From the NYSM Public Program: The Intersection of Archaeology and Genealogy Archaeology and genealogy are critical components for understanding our past. Learn how Dr. Paul Huey and Dr. Michael Lucas use these components to help create a more accurate picture of the material culture, architecture, and people of New York.

NYSM Historical Archaeologist Dr. Michael Lucas discusses John and Lucretia Jackson of Becker’s Corner south of Albany, and Thomas and Elizabeth Powell of Boght Corners to the north of the city, two of the first African American couples to purchase land during the early 19th century. Descendants of the founding Jackson and the Powell families held on to this land into the 20th century. Genealogical and archaeological research is crucial to understanding the importance of land-to-family legacies and long-term neighborhood continuity. The historical trajectories of the Jackson and Powell families are presented as examples of the importance of land and place.

From the NYSM Public Program: The Intersection of Archaeology and Genealogy Archaeology and genealogy are critical components for understanding our past. Learn how Dr. Paul Huey and Dr. Michael Lucas use these components to help create a more accurate picture of the material culture, architecture, and people of New York.

Join Lavada Nahon, culinary historian and interpreter of African American history at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, for a delectable exploration of New Netherland and early New York's rich foodways. Explore the vibrant tapestry of colonial cuisine where Dutch traditions mingled with those of Indigenous people, enslaved Africans, the English, Jews, and other cultures. Discover how this unique blend of culinary practices shaped a distinctive gastronomic heritage found nowhere else in early America.

Dive into Albany's rich history with Dr. Michael Lucas, curator of Historical Archaeology, as he uncovers the layers of our past in this gallery talk. Explore the groundbreaking discoveries beneath Albany's streets—from the remnants of Fort Orange, New Netherland's first permanent Dutch settlement, to the remains of the 18th-century Quackenbush-Douw rum distillery. Gain unique insights into the city's evolution through archaeological finds that illuminate daily life, trade, and the growth of one of North America's oldest European cities. This presentation will provide a glimpse into the artifacts and stories that shape Albany's legacy.

Visitors should meet in the Museum Lobby prior to the start of the tour.

Did you know that hundreds of earthquakes have occurred—and continue to occur—in and around New York? Discover the fascinating world of earthquakes and ancient geology with Dr. Charles Ver Straeten, Curator of Sedimentary Rocks at the New York State Museum. 

Join us at the Earthquake Center exhibit (across from Discovery Place) to engage with Dr. Ver Straeten, ask your burning questions, and explore how geological research helps us better understand Earth's history. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from an expert in the field! 

Join us for a captivating film screening of Back to Las Villas, followed by an insightful panel discussion featuring Ismael “Ish” Martinez, author of Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County, and Jimmy Castro, the film’s director and Founder/CEO of Ritmo Caribe Promotions. Moderated by New York State Historian Devin Lander, the discussion will delve into the rich cultural legacy of these once-bustling resorts, their impact on Latin music, and their role in shaping Latino community life outside of New York City. Don’t miss this chance to learn about how these retreats became a vital cultural and recreational hub for Spanish-speaking communities and delve into their lasting impact on New York’s heritage.  

Join us on October 16th for National Fossil Day as State Paleontologist and Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology Dr. Lisa Amati presents "New York’s Titanic Traces," spotlighting the impressive Climachtichnites trace fossils. Discover the story behind these colossal tracks. Dive into the world of trace fossils and learn where in New York’s fossil record these extraordinary imprints are preserved.

Dive into the world of fish with NYSM Curator of Ichthyology Dr. Jeremy Wright. Join us near Discovery Place to engage with Dr. Wright, ask your burning questions, and explore the evolution and ecological interactions of fishes. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from an expert in the field!

Celebrate New Netherland Day with Chelsea Teale of the New Netherland Research Center. Join us for a lunchtime lecture focused on the 1685 journal of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer. This diary, kept as van Rensselaer prepared to become lord of the manor of Rensselaerswijck, includes practical details such as shopping lists, financial accounts, and notes from his journey from the Netherlands to New York. It provides insight into the priorities of Van Rensselaer, who died just two years after arriving and who remains an ambiguous character in the history of colonial New York.  

Join us for an enlightening lecture with author Darren Bonaparte on Colonel Louis Cook, a significant figure in the American Revolution. Known by his Mohawk name, Akiatonharónkwen, Cook defied alliances and played a crucial role in the Continental Army, navigating complex relationships with both British and American forces. This lecture will explore his life, his rivalry with Joseph Brant, and his lasting impact on New York State. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the story of a man who shaped history through his extraordinary journey.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Bronte Roman at the New York State Museum. Experience Bronte’s musical fusion of Latin-Pop and Latin-Traditional Hits in a performance that showcases her vibrant energy and unique vocal style. Don’t miss this chance to experience Bronte’s exceptional talent and passion live! 

This concert is co-sponsored by The Music Performance Trust Fund and The Albany Musicians Association, Local 14 of the American Federation of Musicians, a union of dedicated professional musicians covering every genre of music. Its members can be seen playing in concerts, clubs, weddings, parades, musicals, and symphony orchestras, both locally and beyond.
 

In choosing their wedding clothes, brides and grooms are influenced by fashion, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrity, personal taste, and their role in society. This was as much the case in the past as it is today. 

Wedding clothing holds memories, and pieces—dresses, shoes, suits, and headwear—are often preserved and passed to subsequent generations. A couple’s choices reveal information about both the individuals who wore them and those who made them. Some garments, like those exhibited here from the 1910s to 1940s, find their way to museum collections. Unveil these stories with clothing expert, Connie Frisbee Houde, as she highlights pieces from the exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s–1940s. 
 

Join us for a captivating exploration of contemporary Indigenous art featuring works from one representative artist of each Haudenosaunee Nation, Shinnecock Nation, and the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Band of Mohican Indians. This event invites you to get acquainted with the talented Indigenous artists who are shaping the cultural landscape of New York. Through a curated selection of pieces from the New York State Museum’s Indigenous Art Collection, visitors will discover diverse subject matter, innovative mediums, and unique styles that are influential in today's contemporary Indigenous art scene. Engage in meaningful conversations about the significance of these artworks and the stories behind them and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich artistic heritage of Indigenous communities in New York. 

Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) shares Stories from the People of the Longhouse. This storytelling presentation is filled with traditional Haudenosaunee legends that have been told for hundreds of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people and continue to be an important part of Haudenosaunee culture. 

Join us at the New York State Museum for a fascinating lecture celebrating the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery. Renowned geochronologist Dr. Jim Aronson will discuss an unforgettable journey to Hadar, Ethiopia, where the iconic fossil was unearthed in 1974. Experience firsthand accounts of the exploration as Dr. Aronson shares how he utilized comparative sedimentology to reconstruct Lucy’s ancient environment—a lush, diverse ecosystem that contrasts sharply with today’s arid Afar Triangle. You’ll hear about his remarkable findings on the “First Family,” a group of 13 hominins, and gain insights into how they lived and died 3.22 million years ago. This engaging talk promises insights into our evolutionary history and a celebration of a milestone that shaped our understanding of human ancestry. Come be part of this exciting exploration into the past!

Join us for a hands-on workshop led by Bernadette Scott, Seneca, Deer Clan residing on the Cattaraugus Territory, NY. In this engaging session, participants of all ages will learn the art of making traditional cornhusk dolls. Discover the cultural significance behind this timeless craft and connect with history through creativity. Bring your family and friends to explore the beauty of cornhusk creations and leave with your very own handcrafted doll. Don’t miss this unique opportunity for cultural learning and artistic expression! 

Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of PBS’s beloved series, Reading Rainbow! The festivities will kick off with a special story time hour featuring readings from classic Reading Rainbow books, followed by related crafts that ignite creativity and a love for reading.

This will be followed by a screening of the inspiring documentary Butterfly in the Sky, which captures the magic and impact of this revolutionary reading movement.

This event promises a nostalgic journey through the pages of Reading Rainbow’s history and a chance to celebrate the power of reading. Join us for a day of inspiration, nostalgia, and engaging conversation.
 

11 am - 12 pm
Stories and Crafts

12 - 1:30 pm 
Film Screening

Join us in Bird Hall for a delightful bird-themed story time with State Librarian Lauren Moore. This engaging program will feature stories, songs, and games, all inspired by our feathered friends. Bring your little birdwatchers for a morning filled with laughter, learning, and a love for reading!

Join us for a gallery tour of Margery Ryerson: Art is Contagious, led by Dr. Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History, and Karen Quinn, Senior Historian/Curator of Art and Culture. This exhibition celebrates the life and work of this lesser known, yet profoundly impactful painter and printmaker. Spanning over seven decades, Ryerson's career was marked by her dedication to capturing the essence of childhood, particularly through her powerful depictions of children in settlement houses where she taught.

This exhibition showcases a diverse range of Ryerson's subjects, including captivating landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, enchanting still-lifes, and dynamic portrayals of musicians and dancers. Beyond her visual art, Ryerson was a prolific writer and illustrator—contributing articles, poetry, and artwork for books, greeting cards, and calendars. Discover how her multifaceted talents have left a lasting legacy in the world of art.
 

Join us for a gallery tour of Margery Ryerson: Art is Contagious, led by Dr. Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History, and Karen Quinn, Senior Historian/Curator of Art and Culture. This exhibition celebrates the life and work of this lesser known, yet profoundly impactful painter and printmaker. Spanning over seven decades, Ryerson's career was marked by her dedication to capturing the essence of childhood, particularly through her powerful depictions of children in settlement houses where she taught.

This exhibition showcases a diverse range of Ryerson's subjects, including captivating landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, enchanting still-lifes, and dynamic portrayals of musicians and dancers. Beyond her visual art, Ryerson was a prolific writer and illustrator—contributing articles, poetry, and artwork for books, greeting cards, and calendars. Discover how her multifaceted talents have left a lasting legacy in the world of art.
 

Dive into the deep past with Dr. Ed Landing, State Paleontologist Emeritus, as he unveils the fascinating story of Stark’s Knob—a one-of-a-kind geologic treasure in Saratoga County. Deeded to the Museum in 1916, this unique volcanic formation dates back 460 million years to a time when molten rock surged through the ocean floor, shaping the landscape of eastern North America.

Discover how this remarkable site, featured as a national “Geoheritage” site in GSA Today, offers clues to Earth’s dynamic history and learn about Stark’s Knob’s role as the first example of “petit volcanism” on a subducting plate. Whether you're a science enthusiast or curious explorer, this lecture will ignite your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the natural wonders beneath our feet!
 

Get ready for a magical journey at the New York State Museum on Sunday, December 8th! Join us for a day filled with train-themed fun and holiday cheer. Explore fascinating railroad-themed displays from the New York State Library's collections, including highlights from the Jack Shufelt Collection featuring timetables, union agreements, original notes, photographs, maps, and more. Let your creativity shine with a festive craft activity, and don’t miss a special screening of The Polar Express in the Huxley Theater.

11 am - 1pm
NYSL Collections & Crafts

1 - 3pm
Film Screening: The Polar Express

Join storyteller April Armstrong for a vibrant celebration of Kwanzaa! Sing, clap, and immerse yourself in uplifting folktales from African, Caribbean, and African American traditions. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate community and culture through the magic of stories and music!

Join us for a fascinating day at the New York State Museum with Elliott & Schlemowitz, renowned magic lanternists! Experience history brought to life with their performances using original late-Victorian and Edwardian era magic lantern glass slides and projectors. Discover the captivating charm of this 17th-century invention, which transformed storytelling into an enlivened visual experience. Performances will take place several times during the day, with shorter demonstrations in between.

Children’s slide sets will include “The Educated Cats” and “The Precocious Pigs,” as well as “Belle Belton and her “Bicycle Adventure,” animated moving slides showing circus performers, astronomy lessons, and comic visual gags. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see the artistry of magic lantern projections and learn about its rich history.

Join us for the opening of Margery Ryerson: Art is Contagious, an inspiring exhibition celebrating the life and work of this lesser known, yet profoundly impactful painter and printmaker. Spanning over seven decades, Ryerson's career was marked by her dedication to capturing the essence of childhood, particularly through her powerful depictions of children in settlement houses where she taught.

This exhibition showcases a diverse range of Ryerson's subjects, including captivating landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, enchanting still-lifes, and dynamic portrayals of musicians and dancers. Beyond her visual art, Ryerson was a prolific writer and illustrator—contributing articles, poetry, and artwork for books, greeting cards, and calendars.

Join us for an afternoon of art, conversation, and inspiration as we honor Ryerson's legacy and her tireless commitment to the arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore her remarkable contributions and engage with fellow art enthusiasts!

Explore the tools and techniques of ice harvesting with Monica Gray, Director of Archival Services at the New York State Archives. Learn how ice was once harvested from lakes and rivers during the winter months, see historical photos, and try out real ice tongs.