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.

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. 

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 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

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.

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 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.

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!

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 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.

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 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.  

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.
 

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 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.

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.

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. 

“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. 

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

“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

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. 
 

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 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.
 

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

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!
 

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 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!

Join Dr. Denise Mayer, Curator of Malacology at the New York State Museum and Director of the Museum’s Field Research Laboratory for a fascinating journey into the world of freshwater mussels. Dr. Mayer will share Museum/New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's recent survey efforts in the uppermost reaches of the Hudson River, from the headwaters at Lake Henderson to Queensbury. Discover the hidden ecosystems of these rarely explored sections of the river through footage from her fieldwork. Learn about the important role mussels play in keeping our waterways healthy and what we’ve uncovered about their populations in both the Adirondacks and downstream sections of the Hudson River. Bring your curiosity and your questions!

Grab a drink and take a break from winter to join Dr. Denise Mayer for a fun and interactive dive into the fascinating world of freshwater mussels and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. This engaging talk will take you on a journey through the uppermost reaches of the Hudson River in the Adirondack Park—from the headwaters at Lake Henderson to Queensbury. Dr. Mayer will share captivating footage from recent surveys, offering a glimpse of these rarely seen sections of the river. She’ll also summarize discoveries from downstream Hudson sections, revealing the hidden life of mussels that keeps our waterways thriving. Science has never been this much fun—or this refreshing! 

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

Get an insider’s look at New York’s feathered residents with NYSM Ornithologist and Curator of Birds and Mammals, Dr. Jeremy Kirchman! Join Dr. Kirchman for an engaging guided tour of the Birds of New York exhibition, featuring fascinating insights into the state’s diverse bird species and their habitats. Don’t miss this opportunity to see special specimens, ask your burning bird questions, and connect with an expert in the field!

Join us for an engaging evening of history and beer at our inaugural "History and Hops" event at the Albany Outpost! Explore the transformative impact of the Erie Canal on New York’s history and beer culture as we gear up to celebrate the canal's 200th anniversary in 2025!

Highlights of the event will include: 

• Brad Utter, Senior Historian and Curator of Science and Technological History, will kick things off with a fascinating talk on the Erie Canal's role in revolutionizing transportation, commerce, and industry in New York State.
• Craig Gravina, New York Beer Scholar, will take the stage to reveal how the Erie Canal shaped beer production, distribution, and brewing innovation across the state.

Raise a glass to the Erie Canal and discover how this iconic waterway fueled New York’s beer scene!

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/ 

On the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, discover the extraordinary history of Fort Ontario, the only shelter in the United States established by the federal government to protect Holocaust refugees during World War II.
 
This compelling program features Paul Lear, retired Site Manager of Fort Ontario, and Ann Allen, author of Holocaust Refugees in Oswego: From Nazi Europe to Lake Ontario. Together, they will shed light on the lives of the 982 mostly-Jewish refugees who found temporary sanctuary behind the barbed wire of Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York. Moderated by Aaron Noble, Senior Historian and Curator of Political and Military History at the New York State Museum, this lecture will delve into the impact this remarkable refuge had on both its residents and the local community.
 
Following the lecture, we invite attendees to visit the Museum’s exhibit, Holocaust to Haven, which tells the powerful story of the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter and its lasting legacy. This exhibit features artifacts, including a section of the original fence, and highlights the courage and resilience of those who sought a safe haven in America.
 
Join us for an inspiring reflection on this unique chapter in Holocaust and American history, commemorating the lives and stories of those who sought refuge and the enduring lessons they left behind.
 

The 2025 Evolution and Ecology Teacher Workshop is a one-day hybrid program held at the New York State Museum on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. The workshop will focus on hidden stories from the collections and is a professional development opportunity for science teachers, especially those who teach biology and environmental science to middle and high school students. The workshop is presented by PhD-level State Museum scientists, including Director of Research and Collections Robert Feranec, Curator of Mycology Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, Curator of Botany James Lendemer, Curator of Birds and Mammals Jeremy Kirchman, Curator of Malacology-Director of Museum’s Field Research Laboratory Denise Mayer, Curator of Entomology Timothy McCabe, State Paleontologist- Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology Lisa Amati, and Curator of Ichthyology Jeremy Wright.

Teachers will have the opportunity to earn eight CTLE clock hours by completing the workshop. They will gain valuable insight into the forefront of scientific research, highlighting hidden stories in ecology and evolution from within the museum collections. The workshop is aligned with specific NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards.

Groundhog Day, with its quirky tradition of predicting six more weeks of winter, has become an iconic part of American culture. Join us at the New York State Museum for a fun and interactive exploration of Grundsaudaag—the original German name for what we know today as Groundhog Day.

In this family-friendly event, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of how German-speaking communities brought their winter traditions to the United States, blending European customs with their new American surroundings. Discover how the ancient German celebration of Candlemas Day evolved into the modern-day tradition of predicting spring’s arrival. It’s a chance to celebrate not only the weather, but the rich cultural exchange that shaped our country’s unique traditions.

So, whether you're predicting spring or bracing for more winter, come join us in celebrating Grundsaudaag—a Germanic twist on an American tradition that’s sure to warm your heart (even if the groundhog sees his shadow)!

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. 
 

Come and enjoy a free screening of WMHT's original documentary film North to New York: The Great Migration in NY's Capital Region. Immerse yourself in the journey of individuals traveling from the South to New York's Capital Region during the Great Migration.

The screening will be followed by a discussion featuring:

• Stephanie Woodard - President, Rapp Road Historical Association
• Willie White - Founder, AVillage Inc.
• Clarence Samuel Johnson - Son of Reverend John "Jack" Johnson
• Jennifer Lemak, PhD - NYSM Chief Curator of History 

Seating may be limited. Please arrive early.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Discover the inspiring story of William Still, one of the most important heroes of the Underground Railroad. The documentary blends history, characters, and evocative reenactments with sometimes shocking, often touching, accounts from the day. The exhilarating and deeply compelling story comes to life in this WNED PBS production.