Join us for a lively evening of history and sports at the Common Roots Albany Outpost! Stephen Loughman, Sports Curator at the New York State Museum, 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. Don’t miss out on this fun, interactive discussion!

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/

**This program was originally scheduled for Thursday, February 6.**

Join Dr. James C. Lendemer, Curator of Botany at the New York State Museum, as he prepares rare botanical specimens for our herbarium—live and on display! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about plant preservation and the fascinating world of botany up close.

Join the New York State Library for a fun-filled story time! We’ll explore the frosty world of winter sports like hockey and ice skating, with stories that will spark imaginations and encourage little ones to dream big on the ice.

Join us for a special screening of WNED’s The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights which explores the Black elite and intellectual society at the turn of the 20th century, a class rarely presented. It examines the heated debate and conflict between W.E.B DuBois and William Monroe Trotter with Booker T. Washington on how to best uplift the race and secure equality for their community.

Join New York State Archivist Brian Keough for an in-person viewing of WMHT’s short film, In Search of Timbuctoo, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Paul Miller. On display for one day only, the 1846 Receipt Book of Land Grants from Gerrit Smith documents 3,000 deeds granted to African Americans and poor white people giving them the wealth needed to have the right to vote in New York. Before or after the program, be sure to visit the State Museum’s exhibit, Timbuctoo: Gerrit Smith’s Experiment, in Adirondack Hall.

Also featured are Treasures from the State Archives: Gerrit Smith 1846 Receipt Book display and the State Museum’s exhibit: Timbuctoo: Gerrit Smith’s Experiment.

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. 

Ever wonder how we got here? Join Dr. Jeremy J. Kirchman, Curator of Birds and Mammals at the New York State Museum, for an evening of science at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. In celebration of Darwin’s birthday, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of evolution—no lab coat required!

Dr. Kirchman will take us on a tour of scientific discovery from the radical, brave thinking of Charles Darwin to the current era of genomics research that is revealing the ways that humans have been both the target of natural selection and an agent of selection on other species. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just looking for something new and exciting to learn over a drink, this is the place to be. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your thirst for knowledge (and maybe a pint too)! Let's toast to Darwin and the amazing journey of life.

This fun, interactive program is free to attend. Food and drink are not included but are available for individual purchase at the venue.

Location:
The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
79 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
www.thehollowalbany.com

Join Dr. Joseph Gonzalez, Curator of Mineralogy at the New York State Museum, for a special opportunity to ask an expert all about rocks, minerals, and Earth’s ancient history! Whether you're curious about how mountains form, how minerals are created, or what secrets rocks can reveal, Dr. Gonzalez will be on hand to answer your questions and share his expertise. Bring your curiosity and learn firsthand from a scientist who studies the deep history of our planet!

The 2025 DH Cadwell Teacher Workshop, will be a one-day hybrid program held at the New York State Museum on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The workshop is a professional development opportunity for science teachers, especially those who teach Earth Science/Physical Setting to middle and high school students. The workshop is presented by PhD-level Museum scientists—research experts in the fields of Geology, Earth Science, and Paleontology.

Participants are immersed in information and hands-on activities in geology and paleontology and will have the opportunity to earn eight CTLE clock hours. The workshop provides an informal setting for learning through interaction between earth science teachers and research experts, through which participants will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of New York-specific topics; refine their observational and interpretive skills; and inquire, formulate, and test their scientific practices and applications. 

The workshop is aligned with specific NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards and Regents Exams in Earth and Space Sciences.
 

Join us for an insightful and educational session with Dr. Gwendolyn Saul, the New York State Museum's Curator of Cultural Anthropology, as she explores the importance of Black Ash trees in Haudenosaunee basketry. Black Ash splints are the preferred material for creating these intricate and meaningful baskets, a craft deeply rooted in tradition. 

Dr. Saul will discuss the art of Haudenosaunee basket making and highlight current efforts to protect Black Ash trees from the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetles, which threaten the survival of this vital resource. As a special bonus, attendees will have the unique opportunity to view a new art acquisition that ties directly to this important cultural and environmental topic. 

Don't miss this chance to learn about the intersection of art, culture, and conservation in an engaging and meaningful way! 

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring sustainable clay practices and the importance of building respectful, responsible relationships with the land. "Clay from the Ground: Collaborations with the Land" brings together a diverse group of artists and environmental advocates: Margaret Boozer, Connor Czora, RL Martens, and Shino Tanikawa. Together, they will share insights on sourcing, working with, and honoring the earth’s materials in the context of ceramics. Through their collective experience, they will discuss how artists can contribute to the environmental conversation and build a collective agreement for collaborations that are mindful of both tradition and ecological responsibility. 

This lecture will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the intersections of art and sustainability, and to reflect on how we as a community can be better stewards of the land we work with. 

This panel is presented in conjunction with Little Brown Jug, on view through March 30, 2025. This juried exhibition, presented in collaboration with The Arts Center of the Capital Region and Broken Mold Pottery, celebrates the rich history of Albany slip glaze through stunning contemporary pottery inspired by 19th-century stoneware. 

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.

Join us for a special screening of WNED's documentary, Discovering New York Suffrage Stories. In New York State, the epicenter for reform in the mid 1800’s, the suffrage movement’s success depended on many women, but today, several of their stories are absent from history. Meet a few of the diverse suffragists in this New York Emmy-nominated documentary who tirelessly navigated issues of religious intolerance, sexism, politics, and racism as they fought for the vote and for women’s equality.

Join us for a special lunchtime lecture as we celebrate Women’s History Month. This program will feature short presentations from the New York State Library, New York State Archives, and New York State Museum highlighting significant figures, accomplishments, and resources from our collections, followed by a brief Q&A session. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the contributions women have made throughout history. Bring your lunch and enjoy a thought-provoking presentation. 

Join us for The Mushroom Letters, a dramatic reading of the correspondence between Mary Elizabeth Banning, a self-taught mycologist, and Charles H. Peck, a leading mycologist at the New York State Museum. Banning, who dedicated her life to studying fungi, created stunning illustrations and described new species, despite living in relative obscurity and poverty. Her unpublished manuscript, The Fungi of Maryland, filled with 175 exquisite watercolors, remained hidden for nearly a century before being rediscovered in the 1980s. This event brings to life the letters that captured her passionate pursuit of mycology and her connection with Peck, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a woman working in a male-dominated field. 

Banning’s correspondence reveals the depth of her fascination with fungi. At a time when women were often excluded from formal scientific study, Banning and other self-taught women mycologists contributed significantly to the field, challenging societal norms. Through this reading, we celebrate Banning’s contributions to mycology, her artistry, and the legacy of her work, which continues to influence the scientific world today.  

Join us for a special screening of WCNY's documentary Syracuse Challenger Baseball: The Road to Williamsport. Led by Dom Cambareri, Syracuse Challenger Baseball—the oldest and largest team in Little League Baseball's special needs division—embarks on an unforgettable, first-ever trip to the Little League World Series. Follow the team's diverse personalities as they share a once-in-a-lifetime experience playing where Little League Baseball was born.

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 an engaging evening of history, science, and the story of women in mycology at our next History & Hops event at the Albany Outpost! Delve into the life of Mary Elizabeth Banning, a pioneering 19th-century mycologist, and explore how the field of fungi became a rare space for women in science during a time when their contributions were often overlooked.

Following the presentations, we’ll open the floor for a Q&A session—so bring your questions and join us for a lively conversation!

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 Dr. Patricia Kaishian, Curator of Mycology at the New York State Museum, for an immersive gallery tour of Outcasts: Mary Banning’s World of Mushrooms. This exhibition highlights the fascinating life and work of Mary Elizabeth Banning, one of the first American mycologists, who defied the social and scientific barriers of her time to make significant contributions to the study of fungi.

As Dr. Kaishian walks you through the exhibit, you'll discover Banning’s extraordinary illustrations and letters, her pioneering research on mushrooms, and the historical context in which she worked. Learn how fungi—often seen as "outcasts" in the natural world—were embraced by outcast scientists like Banning, who defied expectations to make lasting contributions to science. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the often-overlooked world of fungi and celebrate the legacy of a remarkable woman scientist. 

Join Robert W. Snyder, Official Manhattan Borough Historian, for an insightful lecture on his new book, When the City Stopped: Stories from New York's Essential Workers. In this powerful collection of personal accounts, Snyder brings to light the experiences of New Yorkers who worked on the frontlines during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through poems, first-person narratives, and interviews, Snyder illuminates the stories of healthcare workers, transit staff, and community activists who faced the uncertainties of the virus head-on.

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 special screening of A Castle in Every Heart, a captivating documentary by Mountain Lake PBS, as we journey back in time to meet Adirondack legend and theme park pioneer, Arto Monaco. Known for his creativity and vision, Monaco designed some of America’s earliest theme parks, including beloved attractions like The Land of Makebelieve and Santa’s Workshop.

This film offers an intimate look into Monaco’s life and work, showcasing his unique ability to blend storytelling, artistry, and a deep love for entertaining children and adults alike. Known as a gifted storyteller and a true original, Monaco’s legacy continues to inspire generations.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Arto Monaco and discover how he brought magic and joy to the Adirondacks.

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 us for the gallery opening of Outcasts: Mary Banning’s World of Mushrooms, an exhibition that showcases 28 of Banning's exquisite watercolors and original descriptions from her unpublished manuscript The Fungi of Maryland. These beautiful works, once lost to history, have been brought back to life in this one-of-a-kind exhibit.

Experience a dramatic reading of The Mushroom Letters by former New York State Museum Curator of Mycology, Dr. John Haines, animating Banning’s passionate pursuit of mycology and the challenges she overcame.

Enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Collar City Mushrooms and Brooklyn Cider House and discover a world of mushrooms like never before!

Schedule of Events

6:00 - 6:30 PM
Gallery Opening & Welcome
Explore the Outcasts exhibit. Food and drinks are available for purchase from Collar City Mushrooms and Brooklyn Cider House. Opening remarks from Dr. Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, Curator of Mycology at the New York State Museum.

6:30 - 7:15 PM
The Mushroom Letters: Dramatic Reading
Former NYSM Curator of Mycology, Dr. John Haines, presents a dramatic reading of the correspondence between Mary Elizabeth Banning and Charles H. Peck.

7:15 - 9:00 PM
Gallery Exploration & Socializing
Continue to explore the exhibit and engage with fellow guests. Food and drink available for purchase while supplies last. 

This event is made possible in partnership with The New York Mycological Society.

Mary Elizabeth Banning (1822–1903) was one of the first American mycologists, specialists in the study of fungi. She was a talented, self-taught scientist who studied mushrooms in Maryland in the mid-1800s. Banning was also one of the first women to describe new species of fungi to science.

Join NYSM Curator of Mycolory Dr. Patricia Kaishian as she discusses Banning's life, her research and connection to the New York State Museum, and her invaluable contributions to the study of mushrooms.

Join Dr. Andrew Kozlowski, Curator of Quaternary Landscape Materials, for a 30-minute guided tour of Ice Ages: How Ice Shaped the Land and the Life in New York. This exhibit takes you on a journey through New York’s geological history, from the massive glaciers that sculpted the landscape to the giant mammals like mastodons and woolly mammoths that roamed the land 15,000 years ago.

Dr. Kozlowski, an expert in Pleistocene geology, will share insights from his research on glacial deposits and landforms, offering a deeper understanding of how the Ice Ages shaped the state’s present-day topography and ecosystems. Don’t miss the chance to see rare Ice Age fossils from the museum's collection and learn about the forces that transformed New York’s landscape. 

Join WMHT for a special preview screening and discussion of NOVA Revolutionary War Weapons with New York State Museum Senior Historian Aaron Noble and Fort Ticonderoga Curator Matthew Keagle, PhD.

In 1775, a ragtag army of farmers and tradesmen defeated the most powerful army in the world to win American independence. What military technology did the American colonies use in their fight for freedom, and how did it help propel them to one of history’s most unlikely victories? Archeologists and historians uncover the real stories of innovation, skill, and strategy that determined the outcome of important battles. From the Brown Bess musket to the world’s first military submarine, get a closeup look at the powerful and sometimes ingenious weapons that helped win our independence.
 

Bring your favorite stuffed animal to the New York State Library for a fun overnight adventure! During Museum Storytime Adventures with the State Librarian, you can drop off your stuffie to participate in an exclusive after-hours tour of the Library, Museum, and Archives. Your stuffie will get checked in and have the chance to see special collections and meet junior archivist, Archie! Who knows what kind of mischief they'll get into?

Be sure to pick up your stuffie at the Museum on April 10 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and follow along on the Library's social media channels to see all the excitement!

Enjoy a day of hands-on learning at the New York State Museum on April 10 for Homeschool Day! Join scientists and educators for talks and activities about animal diversity and rich history in New York. Local community partners will be on hand to provide learning resources and contribute to understanding our local history. 

Gallery Tours:

• Tour Fire Engine Hall with Brad Utter
• Learn about the birds of New York and their habitats with Dr. Jeremy Kirchman

Open Classrooms:

• Learn about animal adaptations and do hands-on activities with the museum educators

Community Partners:

• Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
• Albany County Historical Association
• WMHT Public Media
• New York State Library Youth Services
• Talking Book and Braille Library 
• Archives Partnership Trust

Dive into history with Dr. Daria Merwin, Co-Director of the Cultural Resource Survey Program. Naval battles and waterborne skirmishes were crucial in shaping the Revolutionary War in New York, where the powerful British Navy faced off against the resourceful Patriots. Many of these events have left behind hidden archaeological sites, offering fascinating glimpses into America's struggle for independence. Join Dr. Merwin as she uncovers New York's maritime history and reveals the untold stories beneath the surface.

Join us for a special day of fungi fun with author Chris Baker as she reads aloud from her delightful picture book On a Mushroom Day! This enchanting book takes young readers on a magical walk through the forest, learning all about the beauty and wonder of mushrooms. After the read-aloud, explore our new exhibit Outcasts: Mary Banning’s Mushrooms with Dr. Patricia Kaishian, Curator of Mycology at the New York State Museum, and discover the fascinating world of fungi. Learn about Mary Elizabeth Banning’s pioneering work and see her stunning illustrations and descriptions of mushrooms.

The fun doesn’t stop there! After the gallery exploration, enjoy coloring sheets and a craft activity where kids can create their own mushroom masterpieces. This event is perfect for families, nature lovers, and budding mushroom enthusiasts. Come for a day of adventure, art, and discovery!

On a Mushroom Day, written by Chris Baker and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey, is a recipient of a 2025 River by Award from the John Burroughs Association.

Get inspired by Charles Clough's monumental painting Clufffalo: Art Omi during our tissue paper art project this April Break Week! Clough’s vibrant 9 x 16-foot masterpiece is on view in New York Hall, and now it’s your turn to create your own colorful work of art. Using tissue paper and your imagination, kids will explore Clough’s abstract style, bringing their own creations to life. Whether you're a budding artist or just love to craft, this hands-on activity will spark your creativity and offer a fun way to engage with contemporary art. Come make your mark and take home a unique masterpiece!

Join us for a special screening of Lumberjack Skypilot, a classic historical film that offers a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of lumberjacks in the Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau during the 1930s and 1940s. Filmed by Reverend Frank Reed, this captivating documentary captures the strength, resilience, and spirit of these hardworking men who shaped the region’s timber industry.

Join us at Common Roots Albany Outpost for an informal, engaging evening exploring  the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution! Enjoy a drink while hearing from New York State Museum experts as they bring history to life. Dr. Michael Lucas, Curator of Historical Archaeology, will discuss the discovery of the World Trade Center Ship, a Revolutionary War-era vessel unearthed at Ground Zero. Aaron Noble, Senior Curator of Political and Military History, will highlight key objects from the Museum's collection, and Devin Lander, New York State Historian, will explore how the 250th commemoration connects the past to present-day events. It’s the perfect mix of history, conversation, and community!

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 us for an opportunity to meet Devin Lander, New York’s 16th State Historian and Head of Museum Chartering. As the State Historian, Devin is dedicated to preserving and sharing New York's rich history. Stop by his table to learn about his role in shaping how we connect with and understand our past. As co-host of the award-winning podcast A New York Minute in History and co-editor of New York History, Devin brings history to life in exciting new ways. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just curious about the work of the State Historian, come have a conversation and discover how history is being made today!

Join us for a discussion on the legacy of Black farming in New York, exploring its historical significance and current challenges.

Dr. Michael Lucas, Curator of Historical Archaeology at the New York State Museum, will share his research the Powell homestead, which traces the journey of Thomas and Betty Powell, formerly enslaved individuals who purchased land in 1818 and built the largest African American-owned farm in the Albany area, their descendants maintaining ownership for 140 years while experiencing triumph, tragedy, success, and loss.

Christine Hutchinson, co-director of the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, will then discuss the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black farmers today, including issues of land access, food sovereignty, and community empowerment.

This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and future of Black farming in New York. All are welcome to attend!
 

Join Dr. Peter Fix, Principal Conservator of the World Trade Center Ship and expert in Archaeological Watercraft Conservation at Texas A&M University, for a 30-minute lunchtime talk presented live in the South Lobby—where the ship is currently being reconstructed and on view to the public.

Unearthed in 2010 beneath the World Trade Center site, this Revolutionary War-era gunboat lay hidden for over two centuries beneath the Hudson River shoreline. Believed to have been built near Philadelphia in the 1770s and possibly seized by the British during the war, the vessel offers a rare glimpse into early American maritime history.

Peter will share updates on the conservation process, along with insights into the ship’s discovery, historical significance, and the meticulous work involved in bringing this 18th-century artifact back to life. Don’t miss this chance to witness history in the making and explore the connection between America’s revolutionary past and its modern-day preservation. 

Join Brad Utter, NYSM Senior Historian and Curator of Science and Technological History, for a fascinating tour through Fire Engine Hall, where fire engines are not just machines, but symbols of civic pride and innovation. Explore the evolution of firefighting apparatus, from hand-drawn engines to motorized fire vehicles, and discover how New York State was at the forefront of firefighting technology in the 19th and 20th centuries. 

On this tour, you'll dive into the rich history of fire protection, learn about the brave communities who pioneered new methods to battle blazes. See iconic items like the 1791 hand engine, ceremonial fire trumpets, and even the dazzling 1875 Parade Fire Carriage. Along the way, we will share insightful stories and fascinating facts about the culture, technology, and tradition of firefighting. 

Whether you're a history enthusiast or just curious about the legacy of fire safety, this tour is an engaging experience for all ages. 

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!

During the Cold War years, Asian Americans are simultaneously heralded as a Model Minority, and targeted as the perpetual foreigner. It is also a time of bold ambition, as Asian Americans aspire for the first time to national political office and a coming culture-quake simmers beneath the surface.

Join us this May for a powerful screening series in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Each week, we’ll explore a different chapter in American history through the acclaimed WETA for PBS series Asian Americans, a bold and personal five-part documentary that reshapes how we understand our past—and our present. Told through the lived experiences of those who helped shape the nation, Asian Americans brings to light stories of strength, identity, struggle, and triumph. 

Screenings will be held weekly and include one to two episodes that trace the evolution of Asian American experiences from the 19th century to the 21st. Discover how Asian Americans have long been at the heart of the American story—and how their contributions continue to guide the way forward. 

Join us for a special BrainFood lunchtime lecture as we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through the unique lens of our cultural collections. This engaging program will feature short presentations from across the Office of Cultural Education, showcasing selected items that reflect the voices, histories, and contributions of AAPI individuals and communities.

Drawing from a range of materials—these stories shine a light on the resilience, creativity, and lasting impact of AAPI heritage across New York State and beyond.

Bring your lunch and curiosity for this thoughtful exploration of the rich and diverse narratives preserved within our collections. A brief Q&A session will follow the presentations.

Unearthed in 2010 beneath the World Trade Center site, this 18th-century gunboat, believed to have been built near Philadelphia in the 1770s and possibly captured by the British, offers a rare glimpse into early American shipbuilding and maritime life. 

Dr. Warren Riess, Research Associate Professor of History, Emeritus at the University of Maine and principal investigator of the discovery, discusses the vessel’s excavation and its significance in understanding Colonial and Revolutionary America. 

Dr. Peter Fix, Principal Conservator of the World Trade Center Ship at Texas A&M University, reveals how meticulous conservation efforts brought the ship back to life, connecting America’s Revolutionary past with its modern history in a profound way.

Grab your sunhats and set sail on a sea of stories! Join New York State Librarian Lauren Moore for a special seaside-themed storytime filled with ocean adventures, friendly sea creatures, and plenty of imagination. 

Perfect for families with young children, this interactive read-aloud will dive into delightful picture books that celebrate the magic of the ocean. Sing songs, move like the waves, and make a splash with stories that will transport little ones to sandy shores and underwater worlds! 

Explore the legacy of Tuck High Co., a beloved store that stood at the heart of Chinatown for over a century, and discover how it supported generations of Chinese immigrants. Then, tap into your creativity as you design and craft your own lantern to take home. Whether you're wishing for good luck, prosperity, or simply a brighter future, this program is a fun, interactive way to celebrate the history, culture, and artistry of Chinatown. Perfect for families of all ages!

Join us this May for a powerful screening series in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Each week, we’ll explore a different chapter in American history through the acclaimed WETA for PBS series Asian Americans, a bold and personal five-part documentary that reshapes how we understand our past—and our present. Told through the lived experiences of those who helped shape the nation, Asian Americans brings to light stories of strength, identity, struggle, and triumph.

Screenings will be held weekly and include one to two episodes that trace the evolution of Asian American experiences from the 19th century to the 21st. Discover how Asian Americans have long been at the heart of the American story—and how their contributions continue to guide the way forward.

Join Dr. James Lendemer, Curator of Botany at the New York State Museum, for a fascinating dive into the weird and wonderful world of lichens! These often-overlooked organisms are ancient collaborators—symbiotic powerhouses that can survive deserts, deep space, and everything in between... except us. Discover how lichens are woven into our forests, our history, and even our future, as James unpacks their beauty, mystery, and their role as ecological alarm bells in a changing world. Grab a drink and come get lichen-ed up with science, storytelling, and community at Common Roots! 

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 Lisa Anderson, NYSM Curator of Bioarchaeology, for a gripping look into the excavation and forensic study of the Courtland Street Burying Ground, a site now linked to the American Revolution and the harrowing Quebec Campaign of 1775–1776. Believed to be associated with the General Hospital at Fort George, the burial site held the remains of individuals who endured war and disease.

Learn how museum bioarchaeologists, aided by volunteers, have painstakingly recovered and cataloged shattered fragments of human remains from a construction site, working to reconstruct lives lost and restore their rightful place in history. Lisa will also share the latest updates on efforts to respectfully reinter the remains and how this project has helped inspire stronger protections for unmarked historic burial sites.

This lecture will shed light on a forgotten chapter of the American Revolution—one that reveals both the grim reality of the past and the compassion of present-day science and stewardship.

Join WMHT for an unforgettable journey into the prehistoric past with an exclusive special screening of Walking with Dinosaurs—the groundbreaking new series coming to PBS. Get a first look at this thrilling new series that brings dinosaurs back to life like never before. 

Walking with Dinosaurs transports viewers to ancient Earth to witness the real-life struggles, triumphs, and mysteries of these magnificent creatures. Through cutting-edge science, jaw-dropping visual effects, and access to the world's leading paleontological dig sites, each episode tells the dramatic, evidence-based story of an individual dinosaur. You'll meet iconic species as their bones emerge from the earth and their stories are brought vividly to life. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to preview the series!

What happens when political ideals clash with ambition? Join historian Dr. Marsha Barrett for a compelling keynote on Nelson Rockefeller’s rise, retreat, and the unraveling of moderate Republicanism in America.

Marsha Barrett is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. Her research examines the political and social history of the United States during the twentieth century. Barrett’s book, Nelson Rockefeller’s Dilemma: The Fight to Save Moderate Republicanism, examines Rockefeller's career as a means for understanding the fate of moderate Republicanism and the broader transformation of the political landscape after the passage of 1960s federal civil rights legislation. Her research has appeared in publications including New York History, Journal of Policy History, Politico, and Time.
 

Are you curious about paleontology? Join New York State Paleontologist Dr. Lisa Amati for a fun and interactive exploration of the many exciting fields in paleontology. From ancient fossils to cutting-edge science, you’ll learn about the different paths within the field, the skills needed, and the cool jobs paleontologists can have! With hands-on activities and real-life examples, we’ll explore the study of everything from dinosaurs to microscopic fossils and prehistoric plants. Whether you're just getting started or dreaming of a career in science, this session will spark your curiosity about ancient life and the scientists who study it.

Ready to explore the world of fossils and beyond? Let’s see if paleontology is your next great adventure!