Get up close with history! Meet Senior Historian Aaron Noble across from our George Washington: An American Paradox exhibit, explore powder horns from the Museum’s collection, and let the kids enjoy a hands-on coloring activity. Ask questions, explore, and have fun with the past!
Have you ever seen a nearly two-foot-long walking stick? Or a beetle as large as the palm of your hand? Did you know that an adult insect's life span can be as short as twenty minutes or as long as 50 years? Join New York State Entomologist, Dr. Timothy McCabe, as he reveals more incredible insects and fun facts on a tour of the New York State Museum’s Entomology collection.
Visitors who have received registration confirmation should meet in the Museum Lobby prior to the start of the tour.
Registration: Our apologies, this program's registration has reached capacity.
Join Toss the Feathers for Musical Postcards from Irish Albany & Troy, a lively program of traditional Irish music, stories, and song that celebrates the remarkable history of the Irish people in the Upper Hudson Valley. Presented on the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening, this concert shines a spotlight on the thousands of Irish immigrants whose labor and spirit helped carve the Canal into existence. Through music, stories, songs, and slides that bring history to life, audiences will travel back to a time when Irish voices and fiddles echoed along the waterways of Albany and Troy.
Presented as part of New York State History Month and the Erie Canal Bicentennial, this special concert honors the enduring legacy of Irish culture and community in New York State.
Join Dr. Christina Rieth, State Archaeologist and Co-Director of the Cultural Resource Survey Program (CRSP), for a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum helps preserve New York’s history. Explore artifacts from CRSP projects on display in the lab and learn how they are studied, curated, and shared with the public. Discover how CRSP’s work supporting state agencies, protecting archaeological resources, and advancing research ensures that the stories of New York’s past remain accessible for generations to come.
Registration is required: https://forms.office.com/r/40AWY6iDck
Registration is required: https://forms.office.com/r/40AWY6iDck
Celebrate National Chemistry Week at the New York State Museum! Join chemists from the Eastern New York Local Section of the American Chemical Society for a free, family-friendly event exploring this year’s theme, The Hidden Life of Spices. Experience hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, and fun chemistry activities that reveal the science behind the flavors and aromas we encounter every day. Discover how chemistry shapes the world around us!
Join author Mark Ferrara, Professor of English at State University of New York at Oneonta and author of The Raging Erie: Life and Labor Along the Erie Canal (Columbia University Press, 2024) to discuss his recent book and some of the stories of the people who lived and worked along the banks of the canal, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor and working class in this epochal transformation.
Brian Keough, New York State Archivist will talk about and show examples of records documenting New York's canals from the earliest Erie Canal surveys to the completion and operation of the Barge Canal spanning 1794–1958 (bulk 1817–1926) and totaling over 2,560 cubic feet. These archival documents are part of the holdings of the New York State Archives and Records Administration, part of the Office of Cultural Education in the State Education Department
This on-site program will be held at the Huxley Theatre in the New York State Museum on the first floor of the Cultural Education Center, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230.
Our in-person seats are fully booked, but you don’t have to miss out! A live stream will be available on the Museum's YouTube channel starting at 6:00 PM
Baseball and New York City (NYC) have shared a love affair like no other—full of big players, big deals, big heartbreaks, and big comebacks!
Throughout the evening, John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball (MLB), will bring this epic romance to life. From the city's early courtship with the game to their dramatic breakups and joyful reunions, Thorn will reveal how NYC and MLB shaped each other's history—and captured the hearts of millions.
The night kicks off with a reception at 5 p.m. when attendees can explore baseball treasures from the New York State Library, New York State Museum, and New York State Archives.
State Librarian Lauren Moore will deliver opening remarks at 6 p.m., followed by Thorn’s talk covering the history of baseball in NYC from its earliest days to 1962, when, via the Mets, NYC again became a two-horse town. Afterward, New York State Museum historian Steve Loughman will take the mic to lead a lively conversation and audience Q&A with Thorn.
"Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan, a proud New Yorker, or love a great story, this program promises history, heart, and a whole lot of fun," says Moore.
About the Presenter
John Thorn is in his fifteenth year as the Official Historian of Major League Baseball. His many baseball books over the past five decades include Total Baseball, Treasures of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball in the Garden of Eden, and Our Game, which also supplies the title for his blog.
Stop by the New York State Museum after school to celebrate National Fossil Day with hands-on fossil fun! Explore real fossils up close, try a fossil matching activity, check out trace fossils, and peer through microscopes to see ancient details. Kids can also take home a fossil-themed coloring sheet to continue the adventure.
A New Chapter at the New York State Museum—Introducing Director Jennifer Saunders
The New York State Museum is pleased to share a welcome message from its new Director, Jennifer Saunders. Having joined the Museum in early September, Saunders brings both enthusiasm and a forward-looking vision to the role.
Transcript of Welcome Message from Director Jennifer Saunders
“Hello. My name is Jennifer Saunders, and I have the privilege of serving as the new Director of the New York State Museum.
I am so excited to be joining the incredible team here. I’ve been on the job for about a week now, and I can already tell you that we have an amazing group of professionals here at the New York State Museum who are dedicated to exploring and sharing the rich natural and human history of this State.
It’s also clear to me that New Yorkers love their State Museum. From preschoolers to scientific researchers, to lifelong learners—everyone can find someone to learn and enjoy here.
I also believe that we have so much more to offer. We have more than 16 million specimens and objects in our collection, and just as many stories to tell.
Our mission may be the past, but I’m focused on the future and how we can better serve you here at the State Museum.
I can’t wait to talk to our visitors, researchers, and folks from across New York to hear your ideas for making the New York State Museum the best it’s ever been.
It is an honor to serve you in this role. I’m so excited to be here, and on this journey with you.
Thank you.”
(518) 474-1201
Press@nysed.gov
www.nysed.gov
Join Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, Curator of Sedimentary Rocks, for a hands-on exploration of sedimentary rocks and learn how to "read" their history. Discover how the features visible in these rocks reveal clues about past environments, from ancient seas to volcanic landscapes. Whether you're a budding geologist or just curious about the natural world, this interactive session will help you understand the fascinating processes behind rock formation and the stories they tell about millions of years of Earth's history. Ideal for all ages!
Join Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) to take a fresh look at a familiar holiday. Through stories and discussion, Perry guides participants in exploring the deeper history and culture behind Thanksgiving, uncovering common misconceptions and shedding light on perspectives often overlooked. This session invites curiosity, reflection, and conversation, giving participants a chance to see Thanksgiving through a new lens.
Join Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) as he shares Stories from the People of the Longhouse. This engaging storytelling session features traditional Haudenosaunee legends that have been told for hundreds of years. Through these stories, participants will learn about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people, gaining insight into a cultural tradition that remains an important part of Haudenosaunee life today.
Discover the beauty and tradition of cornhusk artistry in this hands-on workshop led by Bernadette Scott (Deer Clan, Seneca) residing on the Cattaraugus Territory, NY. Participants of all ages are invited to learn techniques for transforming cornhusks into beautiful, handcrafted pieces, while exploring the cultural significance of this traditional Haudenosaunee craft. Whether it’s weaving, shaping, or braiding, you’ll leave with your own unique creation and a deeper connection to the heritage carried through this enduring tradition. Bring family and friends to share in this opportunity for cultural learning and creative expression.
Join the New York State Museum and WMHT for a family-friendly celebration of Sesame Street! Explore the beloved Sesame Street exhibit and see the iconic set up close, then enjoy a day filled with crafts, music, and videos highlighting your favorite moments from the show. Come celebrate the show that has helped children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder!
Please note: This event does not feature live costumed characters, just the magic of the exhibit and activities that honor 56 years of learning, laughter, and music on Sesame Street.
Raise a glass with the New York State Museum at Common Roots Albany Outpost for an evening of art, history, and conversation. Karen Quinn, Senior Historian and Curator of Art and Culture, will bring to life the fascinating story of Margery Ryerson (1886–1989), a trailblazing painter, printmaker, and writer whose seven-decade career captured the energy of New York City’s streets, settlement houses, and everyday life. From candid portraits of children to vibrant cityscapes and landscapes, Ryerson’s work tells the stories of immigrants, communities, and the people she taught and inspired. Raise a pint, dive into her world, and discover how this remarkable artist chronicled the city she called home.
This fun, interactive program is free to attend. Food and drink are not included, but are available for individual purchase at the venue.
Location:
Common Roots Albany Outpost
19 Quackenbush Square
Albany, NY 12207
https://commonrootsbrewing.com/
Join Jane Wilcox for an engaging dive into the holdings of the New York State Archives at the Cultural Education Center in Albany. Discover both familiar and hidden resources that can help advance your New York research, including a live demonstration of the online Finding Aids. Learn practical tips for navigating records that may hold clues to your family history and uncover new paths for your genealogical journey.
Discover the beauty of history through feathers! Join Robyn Gibson, History Department Rights and Reproductions Manager at the New York State Museum, as she shares stunning feathered fans—from peacock to ostrich—straight from the Museum’s collection. After seeing these historic treasures up close, children can get creative in a hands-on craft activity, designing and decorating their very own colorful fans to take home. Enjoy this fun, interactive program for little historians and makers alike!
Join historian and author Dr. Thomas Guiler, Director of Museum Affairs at the Oneida Community Mansion House, for an engaging talk exploring the rise of communal Arts and Crafts Movements in early 20th-century America. Drawing from his newly released book, The Handcrafted Utopia: Arts and Crafts Communities in Progressive America (Couper Press, 2025) Dr. Guiler examines the rich histories of visionary communities like Rose Valley, Byrdcliffe, and Roycroft—utopian experiments where artists and idealists sought to merge beauty, labor, and social reform.
Discover how these communities used handcrafted decorative arts as a means of building more meaningful lives and learn about the unique role New York State played in this transformative cultural moment. A Q&A and book signing will follow the presentation.
Celebrate late fall with this cozy, hands-on craft! Make charming, felted acorns in a fun, family-friendly activity that’s enjoyable for all ages.
Join us to hear world-renowned speaker Dr. Gordon Huie as he recounts his deeply moving narrative of what it was like on that fateful morning in September 2001. Known as the only recorded “Triple” connected to the attacks in New York City, Dr. Huie brings awareness through his personal photos, videos, and testimony to aspects of 9/11 that much of the world did not realize.
A former U.S. Army combat medic, and later a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Huie went on to a distinguished career as an orthopedic surgeon before retiring. His story is one of extraordinary service, sacrifice, and resilience, offering a rare and unforgettable perspective on one of the most defining moments in modern history.
This free public event will also be eligible for Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit for classroom educators.
MLB & NYC: A Love Story—An Evening at the Museum with Major League Baseball’s Official Historian John Thorn
On Monday, October 6, the New York State Museum will welcome John Thorn, the Official Historian of Major League Baseball (MLB), for a special evening presentation on baseball’s deep connection with New York City. Thorn will explore how the sport and the city have shaped one another over time while capturing the hearts of millions. This one-night-only program will highlight the pivotal role New York has played in the history of the national pastime and its enduring impact on American culture.
Hosted by the New York State Library and the Office of Cultural Education, this landmark program offers New Yorkers a rare chance to experience the history of America’s pastime through the eyes of one of its greatest storytellers.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with a special exhibit of baseball treasures from the New York State Library, Museum, and Archives. At 6 p.m. in the Huxley Theater, State Librarian Lauren Moore will deliver opening remarks to kick off the evening.
John Thorn’s keynote address will then take the audience on a journey through New York’s baseball story—from its earliest ball clubs and golden dynasties to periods of challenge and renewal—culminating in the 1962 arrival of the Mets, which returned New York to a two-team stage. The program will conclude with a conversation and audience Q&A moderated by New York State Museum Historian Steve Loughman.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, October 6
- Time: 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
- Location: Huxley Theater, New York State Museum
- Featuring: John Thorn, Official Historian of Major League Baseball
- Register
- (Seating is limited; advance registration is required. If registration is full, a waitlist will be available.)
New York State Librarian Lauren Moore said, “Baseball is woven into the history and identity of New York. This program highlights not only the game’s role in our culture, but also its ability to bring people together across generations and communities. We are proud to welcome John Thorn to share his expertise and shine a light on the enduring connection between New York and the national pastime.”
Official MLB Historian John Thorn said, “I have loved baseball all my life, as an immigrant boy in New York who went on to become MLB's official historian. Let's celebrate our game and how it supplied a model to the nation."
Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education Michael Mastroianni said, “We are so honored to welcome John Thorn to the State Museum. His insight and storytelling bring to life the history of the game and its unique connection to New York. This evening will be unforgettable for baseball fans and history lovers alike!”
About John Thorn
Now in his fifteenth year as MLB’s Official Historian, John Thorn is the celebrated author of Total Baseball, Treasures of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball in the Garden of Eden, and Our Game (also the title of his long-running blog). Over five decades, his work has illuminated how baseball’s history reflects—and shapes—the American experience.
About the New York State Library
The New York State Library, established in 1818, is the largest state library in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide, serving a diverse audience that includes researchers, educators, patrons, lawmakers, state agencies, and the general public.
The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. It administers the Federal Depository Library Program in partnership with 65 selective Federal depository libraries throughout New York State. Additionally, the State Library is the official repository of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations.
The Library’s mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the Research Library, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the Talking Book and Braille Library, a free service for eligible New Yorkers unable to use standard print materials, and the Division of Library Development, which identifies opportunities to improve and expand modern library services throughout the state.
A vital part of the Office of Cultural Education, the New York State Library is located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, N.Y., and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Its robust collections are accessible onsite and through an interlibrary loan program. Researchers worldwide can also explore government documents and historical materials through the New York State Library’s Digital Collections.
For more information, please visit the New York State Library website and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
(518) 474-1201
Press@nysed.gov
www.nysed.gov
Join a New York State Museum Educator for a fun and interactive walk-through Outcasts: Mary Banning’s World of Mushrooms. Together we’ll explore the colorful mushroom illustrations of Mary Elizabeth Banning, learn about her adventurous spirit, and discover how she followed her curiosity even when science wasn’t always welcoming to women.
This guided tour is a great way for families to experience the exhibit, ask questions, and see how mushrooms, often thought of as “outcasts” in nature, can inspire wonder, creativity, and new ways of thinking about the natural world.
Brought to you with the support of WMHT, join us for a screening of Native America: New Worlds. Native innovators lead a revolution in music, building, and space exploration. From the surface of Mars to the New York City hip hop scene to the Pine Ridge Reservation, Native traditions are transforming life on Earth and other worlds. New Worlds dares to ask, what is in Native America’s future and how will Native people across this nation continue to harness Indigenous knowledge? It explores the growing power of contemporary Native innovators and how their bold new designs are impacting life across the globe—and even outer space. What lies at the heart of their revolutionary approach? Across Native America, answers emerge in the diverse ways they apply their deeply held traditions to transform the modern world.
Brought to you with the support of WMHT, join us for a screening of Native America: Women Rule celebrating the power and leadership of Native women past and present. Native women are leading, innovating, and inspiring in the arts, politics, and protecting the planet. Native America explores the diverse ways they carry forward deep traditions to better their communities, their lands, and the world. They are building on a proud legacy of Indigenous women’s leadership that stretches back to time immemorial. Even as European kings and nations sought patriarchal dominion over the New World, Native communities continued to prioritize women as goddesses, healers, and leaders. And to this day, Native women remain a central force in their communities and beyond, and increasingly serve as a guiding light for gender equality worldwide.
Experience the creativity and energy of modern dance up close with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company at the New York State Museum. Using a simple mat as their stage, the dancers invite audiences to gather around and enjoy an afternoon of artistry, spontaneity, and fun. Each performance blends selections from the company’s extensive repertoire with new works created just for this series, ensuring that no two programs are ever the same.
Free and family-friendly, this pop-up performance makes dance accessible to all—no stage, no lights, just pure movement and imagination.
**EVENT POSTPONED**
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this program has been postponed. We anticipate rescheduling for January 2025 and will share the confirmed date as soon as possible.
Join respected scholar and principal of the newly formed Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relationships, Rick Hill (Tuscarora, Six Nations of the Grand River, Beaver Clan), for a thought-provoking lecture exploring the complex legacy of George Washington from an Indigenous perspective. While Washington is often celebrated as the nation’s first president and a symbol of American democracy, his policies, and military campaigns—including the devastating Sullivan-Clinton Campaign—left lasting impacts on Native communities.
Hill will offer a grounded and insightful reflection on these histories, illuminating how the Haudenosaunee experienced and remember Washington’s leadership. This program is presented in conjunction with the exhibition George Washington: An American Paradox, which examines the contradictions of Washington’s life as both a champion of liberty and a perpetuator of slavery and violence.
As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this conversation invites the public to engage more deeply with the tensions and legacies of the founding era, fostering a fuller and more honest understanding of America’s past.
Take a Journey Through Time: New Display at the New York State Museum Illuminate a Forgotten Industry
Oechsle Clock Collection Display Open to the Public—Made Possible by Generous Gift from G. Russell Oechsle
Abner Jones, Bloomfield, N.Y., ca. 1834
The New York State Museum is proud to announce the donation of a significant clock collection from historian and author G. Russell Oechsle. Featuring more than 80 rare clocks made in upstate New York between 1818 and 1927—with a strong concentration from the 1820s and 1830s—the collection offers a vivid window into a once-thriving regional industry shaped by the opening of the Erie Canal.
Now on view, the exhibition highlights selections from the donation, capturing the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled clockmaking workshops along the canal corridors. Some shops lasted only a few years; others prospered for decades. Together, these clocks showcase exceptional craftsmanship and reveal the social and economic forces that transformed communities across New York State.
Among the exhibition highlights are a striking 1834 shelf clock by Abner Jones of Bloomfield, N.Y., with a stenciled column case and three-drawer base, and a Baird 1 Advertising Clock, produced in Plattsburgh between 1890 and 1896 for the Diamond Black Leather Oil Co. of Cleveland, featuring an 8-day brass movement. These objects—along with others in the collection—exemplify the ingenuity and artistry of a forgotten regional industry.
Oechsle and his wife Janet began collecting clocks in the mid-1970s, ultimately assembling the largest known collection of upstate New York clocks, representing the work of 62 different makers. The Museum’s display showcases a portion of this extraordinary gift, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the diversity and beauty of these historic timepieces.
Dr. Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History, said, “This collection sheds light on an often-overlooked industry that was deeply influenced by the Erie Canal. The canal system reshaped how creators shared their work, and we’re grateful to Russ and Janet for entrusting us with this remarkable collection. It will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts alike.”
G. Russell Oechsle said, “I’m thrilled to see these clocks where they belong—on public display and at the New York State Museum where they can be researched and preserved for future generations. As a collector, I believe you never truly ‘own’ an object, and instead, serve as a temporary caretaker. My hope has always been to keep the collection together, and I am honored the Museum recognizes its significance in telling New York State’s diverse history.”
About the Office of Cultural Education
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 and subscribe to our newsletter.
The New York State Library, established in 1818, is the largest state library system in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide. Collections are made available onsite and through a robust interlibrary loan program. The Library’s mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the Research Library, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the Talking Book and Braille Library, and the Division of Library Development. The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. Additionally, the State Library is the official repository of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations. For more information, please visit the New York State Library website and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Established in 1971, the New York State Archives has amassed one of the most extensive and historically significant state archive collections in the nation. The Archives manages, preserves, and provides open access to over 270 million colonial and New York State records dating back to the 1630s. In addition, the Archives provides records and archival management services to nearly 4,500 counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, and other local governments across New York State. The Archives offers technical assistance, training, and grants to non-government repositories through the Documentary Heritage Program and Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY). Researchers can access public records through the Archives’ online Digital Collections or by appointment on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center. For more information, please visit www.archives.nysed.gov.
The Archives Partnership Trust, a 501(c)3 organization, works to advance New York State History by making the voices within over 350 years of records accessible, relevant, and heard. Education, preservation, and outreach programs unite scholars, students, and the interested public in the discovery, interpretation, and promotion of our shared history. Programs created and supported by the Trust include: ConsidertheSourceNY.org; Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program; Student Research Awards; countless preservation projects to help stabilize and rehabilitate fragile records; and outreach programs such as New York Archives Magazine, the Empire State Archives and History Award, and other public education programs. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive timely updates.
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.
(518) 474-1201
Press@nysed.gov
www.nysed.gov
Join us for a special program with award-winning local author Nancy Castaldo, as she shares stories from her inspiring children’s books Riverkeeper: Protecting an American River and Whales in the City. Through these tales of environmental activism on the Hudson River and in New York Harbor, Nancy will inspire young readers and their families to protect the waters and wildlife closest to home.
After storytime, meet NYSM Curator of Ichthyology Dr. Jeremy Wright, who will be on hand to answer your questions about fish, rivers, and conservation. Then, get creative with a hands-on craft inspired by our local waterways.
This uplifting program celebrates the power of community action, the beauty of nature, and the small steps we can all take to protect our planet — one river at a time.
Step into the world of robotics with Snapology! In this hands-on workshop, kids will design and build robots that move and act like real animals. From hopping frogs to flapping birds, young engineers will explore animal adaptations while learning the basics of robotics and engineering. Drop in, build, and let your creature come to life!
Join WMHT Field Trip Hosts Matt and Nicole for a special premiere screening of Field Trip Visits the American Revolution! This 30-minute program highlights the rich Revolutionary history of the New York by spotlighting hands on visits to sites such as Fort Ticonderoga, Saratoga National Battlefield Park, Johnson Hall State Historic Site, the New York State Museum, and more! After the screening, join Matt and Nicole for a special tour with NYSM staff of the Gunboat at Ground Zero exhibit.
Registration is free and encouraged: Click here to reserve your spot!
Drop in between 10:00–11:00 a.m. for a creative, family-friendly program led by State Librarian Lauren Moore! Explore fascinating images from the New York State Library’s Special Collections, then turn your favorite into wearable art. Learn more about the treasures preserved in the State Library while making a button to take home. All ages welcome!
Become an Artifact Detective! Join a New York State Museum archaeologist for a Thanksgiving-themed story and look at real artifacts. Discover how people long ago gathered, prepared, and shared their food in this fun, family-friendly adventure through history—where every object tells a story!
Halloween Spooktacular Returns to the New York State Museum with Hands-on Activities and Creative Halloween Fun
Halloween Spooktacular Returns to the New York State Museum with Hands-on Activities and Creative Halloween Fun
The New York State Museum is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following last year’s frightfully fun revival, the Museum has planned all-new programming with hands-on activities, spooky science, and creative crafts for all ages. Children are encouraged to dress for the occasion and take part in the costume parade at the end of the event.
New York State Museum Director of Education and Visitor Services, Kathryn Weller said, “Last year’s Spooktacular was such a scream, and we’re excited to make this year’s even more spooktacular. The Museum is a place where imagination and discovery come to life—and Halloween is the perfect time to bring out our playful side. We can’t wait to welcome families back for a day filled with creativity, laughter, and maybe just a few goosebumps!”
Highlights of the Halloween Spooktacular Include:
- Creepy art projects
- Ghoulish games
- Science specimens
- Dance floor
- Children’s costume parade
The Halloween Spooktacular has become one of the Museum’s most anticipated family events, bringing together the community for a day of light-hearted, spooky fun. Designed for families with children, the event offers a safe and welcoming space to celebrate the holiday—no scares, just plenty of smiles and surprises. The event takes place on the Museum’s fourth floor. The program does not provide any candy or snacks.
For more information, please visit the Halloween Spooktacular 2025 event page.
Please Note: Parking at the Empire State Plaza will be limited due to a scheduled training exercise. The Empire State Plaza Visitor (V) Lot will be closed, but free parking is available at the East Garage and Madison Avenue Lot.
About the New York State Museum
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 and subscribe to our newsletter.
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(518) 474-1201
Press@nysed.gov
www.nysed.gov
The New York State Museum will host our Anthropology and Archeology, Evolution and Ecology, and DH Cadwell teacher workshops on January 24, 2026. Our one-day event is formatted in a flipped-classroom style, where participants will watch recoded lectures related to this year’s themes. The first 15 participants who are fully registered for each workshop can participate in hands-on experiences related to the workshop's theme, led by Museum Scientists.
Teachers will earn four hours of Continued Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) for the recorded lectures and four hours of CTLE credit for the hands-on elements. They will gain valuable insight into the forefront of scientific research, highlighting hidden stories from within the museum collections. These workshops are aligned with specific New York State Learning Standards.
2026 Themes:
- Anthropology and Archeology: Underwater Archeology and the Mystery of the World Trade Center Ship
- Evolution and Ecology: Understanding Aquatic Ecosystems
- DH Cadwell Earth and Space: Water’s Effects on the Landscape
Cost: $25 for in-person participants; lectures are free.
To register for the workshop, use the link: https://forms.office.com/r/HLwwAkaqRb
Bring your fossils and your curiosity! Join Dr. Lisa Amati, State Paleontologist of New York, for a fun and fascinating fossil identification session. Visitors are invited to bring up to five fossils from their personal collections to learn more about what they are, where they came from, and how they formed.
Dr. Amati will also share examples of common fossils found across New York State and visitors are invited to pick up some handy fossil guides to keep your discoveries going long after you leave.
Join us for a short, guided tour of Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, led by a staff member from the Underground Railroad Education Center. This traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibition explores the history, challenges, and ongoing evolution of American democracy.
Discover how local Albany residents have shaped, and been shaped by, our nation’s democratic ideals through powerful storytelling, multimedia displays, and community perspectives.
This December, in recognition of World AIDS Awareness Month, the New York State Museum presents a staged reading of Night Turns to Day, an original play by Toni Lester. Blending music, memory, and heartfelt storytelling, the play follows the relationship between a young Black gay man living with HIV and his beloved grandmother. Moving between her coming-of-age during the Great Depression and his life many decades later at the height of the AIDS epidemic, the story explores themes of love, identity, resilience, and the strength of intergenerational connection in communities of color.
Historian and author John Marks joins the New York State Museum for a thought-provoking talk in connection with the exhibition George Washington: An American Paradox. Drawing from his forthcoming book Thy Will Be Done: George Washington’s Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory (University of North Carolina Press, April 2026), Marks explores how generations of Americans have remembered, forgotten, and contested George Washington’s involvement with slavery. For over two centuries, Washington’s legacy has been interpreted through shifting lenses. Marks will trace this complex history of memory and mythmaking, revealing how the debates that shape our understanding of Washington’s life are part of a much longer American story—one that continues to influence the way we wrestle with questions of freedom, justice, and national identity today.
This discussion will be moderated by Aaron Noble, Senior Historian and Curator of Political and Military History at the New York State Museum.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with crafts, stories, and play! Families are invited to stop by Kids Cove to decorate dreidels, enjoy simple crafts, and learn about Hanukkah tales and traditions to celebrate the season!
This program brings together artist and researcher Carter King (Oneida Nation) and KarenLyne Hill (Onondaga Nation) to reflect on the history and meaning of the shawl associated with Polly Cooper—an Oneida woman whose courage and compassion aided George Washington’s starving troops at Valley Forge in 1778.
Through perspectives on Indigenous material culture, costume design, and family heritage, King and Hill will illuminate how this textile bridges centuries of history, gratitude, and sovereignty. The shawl, currently featured in George Washington: An American Paradox, serves as a profound testament to Oneida contributions to the founding of the United States
Join us for a fascinating lunchtime lecture with Stephen Loughman, Sports Curator at the New York State Museum, who will guide you through a transformative decade in New York's sports history. From the creation of the Mets, Jets, Islanders, Nets, and Buffalo Braves to the rise of the Bills and Sabres, discover how the expansion era of professional sports forever reshaped the state's sports culture. Bring your lunch and enjoy an engaging mid-day discussion filled with history, insights, and sports nostalgia!
Step back in time and discover how children and families played hundreds of years ago! Join Shari Crawford for a hands-on, family-friendly program exploring 18th-century toys, games, and pastimes. Participants of all ages can try their hand at tops, clay marbles, and even writing with a feather quill pen. Learn through play as Shari demonstrates the history behind each activity, invites you to interact with period toys, and shares fascinating stories from daily life in the 1700s. Laugh, play, and experience history first-hand in this lively, immersive program.
Bundle up and explore the wild side of winter with the Utica Zoo at the New York State Museum! During this fun and interactive presentation, a zoo educator will bring amazing live animals and cool biofacts to the museum. Discover how animals survive and thrive in the cold—from furry coats to fantastic freeze-fighting adaptations. Perfect for kids and families looking for a wild winter break adventure!
Step back in time and discover the festive traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries! Join Schuyler Mansion and Crailo State Historic Sites at the New York State Museum for a special daytime program exploring Twelfth Night—the lively holiday that marked the close of the Christmas season in early New York. Through stories, music, and hands-on activities, families can learn how Dutch and English communities celebrated with feasting, music, games, and merriment.
This free program offers a family-friendly introduction to the history behind Schuyler Mansion and Crailo’s annual evening Twelfth Night celebrations. Come enjoy holiday fun at the Museum, then plan to continue the festivities at the two state historic sites this January!
Join us for a special lecture with Russ Oechsle, collector, author, and researcher specializing in upstate New York clocks.
Following the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, upstate New York became a hub of competition between established out-of-state clock manufacturers and newly arrived craftsmen from the East. These skilled emigrants sought to build a market for locally made clocks among those prospering from the canal-driven economic boom.
Between 1825 and 1845, this rivalry gave rise to dozens of upstate clockmaking firms—some successful, others short-lived. Russ Oechsle will explore the opportunities and challenges these makers faced, illustrating how innovation and risk shaped their industry.
The lecture will highlight remarkable examples from the Museum’s Oechsle Clock Collection, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship and creativity of these early clockmakers.
Join Dr. Robert Feranec, Director of Research and Collections and Curator of Ice Age Vertebrate Paleontology, for an exclusive tour of the New York State Museum’s Ice Age Vertebrate Collection. See collections representing tiny shrews to massive woolly mammoths, including bones of the recently found specimen from Orange County. Learn about the late Pleistocene ecosystems of New York and the research that brings these ancient creatures to life.
Our apologies! This tour has reached capacity and registration is now closed.
An ode to the remarkable variety of life in the Hudson Valley, The Nature of Nature: Biodiversity in the Hudson Valley celebrates the living fabric of this unique landscape. From high elevation forests to the globally rare tidal marshes along the Hudson estuary, the 30-minute documentary film captures the beautiful, the complex, the familiar, and the unknown… guided by the plants, animals, and people that call the Hudson Valley home.
Join us for a screening of The Nature of Nature followed by a panel discussion with biologists and filmmakers, including:
- Carl Herzog, Biologist featured in The Nature of Nature
- Dr. Mary Beth Kolozsvary, Department Chair and Professor of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Siena University
- Dr. Denise Mayer, Malacology Collections Manager and Director of the New York State Museum’s Field Research Laboratory
- Dr. James C. Lendemer, Curator of Botany at the New York State Museum
- Laura deNey, Nature of Nature Director and Founder and Co-owner of Flicker Filmworks
- Laura Heady, Biologist, Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University, and Nature of Nature Producer
Registration Recommended
Registration is free! Please let us know if you will be attending by registering here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nature-of-nature-biodiversity-in-the-h…
The Nature of Nature was produced by Flicker Filmworks and the Hudson River Estuary Program with funding by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund in partnership with NEIWPCC.
Discover the magic of winter along the Raquette River in this captivating WPBS documentary! The Raquette River Winter Experience explores the unique activities and adventures offered by towns along the river during the snowy months. From outdoor thrills to family-friendly fun, the film highlights the creativity and community spirit of local residents who have transformed cold winter days into memorable experiences. Join us for this inspiring look at Northern New York’s winter wonderland and the people who bring it to life.
Bring the whole family to the New York State Museum for a festive celebration featuring a special screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol! Enjoy this beloved holiday classic on the big screen and continue the fun with a Muppet-themed scavenger hunt through the exhibits, hands-on seasonal crafts, and a Letters to Santa station to spark young imaginations. This joyful holiday program invites visitors of all ages to explore the Museum, create together, and make new traditions in a warm and welcoming setting.
Crafts and activities begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol at 11 a.m.
Celebrate the season through the lens of American craftsmanship with a special screening of Craft in America: HOLIDAY. This festive episode highlights the artists and traditions that make the holidays uniquely handmade, including ceramicists Susan Garson and Veronica Castillo to glass artist Garcia Art Glass, paper artist Kathleen Trenchard, and master woodcarver Harley Refsal. Explore iconic holiday creations at the National Gingerbread House Competition, Biltmore House, and the John C. Campbell Folk School, and discover how both familiar and new traditions come to life through craft. Embrace the artistry, creativity, and spirit of the season in this inspiring holiday celebration.