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Two-Day Conference Will Be Held from June 5-6 at the New York State Museum

Educators Can Earn Up to Seven CTLE Clock Hours for Their Participation

The , , , and are proud to announce the second annual New York State History Conference, taking place June 5–6, 2025, at the New York State Cultural Education Center (222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY). This two-day event brings together educators, historians, students, and professionals from across the state to celebrate and investigate New York’s remarkable past—and its impact on the present. In partnership with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, and New York State Canal Corporation, the conference offers in-depth interactive panels, hands-on educator workshops, inspiring keynote talks, and opportunities to share innovative historical research.

2025 Theme: “Constructing the Empire State: Innovation, Environment, and Imagination in New York History”
The year’s theme focuses on New York’s groundbreaking contributions to transportation, commerce, and industry, while also exploring the environmental and cultural challenges that accompany rapid development. This year’s sessions will build on the upcoming Erie Canal bicentennial.

Dr. Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History at the New York State Museum said, “New York State has long been a leader in transforming the future of industry through its innovative developments. But with that growth also come debates over the best use of resources. We are thrilled to build upon the success of last year’s inaugural conference to discuss how best to research, preserve, and teach the complexities of New York State history.”

Devin Lander, New York State Historian said, “The New York History Conference provides an opportunity for experts to come together and discuss their ongoing research, as well as how to best communicate history to learners of all ages. Our team has carefully curated panels, educator workshops, and bonus sessions to ensure attendees leave with the tools to further our collective understanding of history.”

Keynote Events

Address: “Innovating the Party of Lincoln: Nelson Rockefeller in the Modern Civil Rights Era”
Date: Thursday, June 5
Time: 7:00 p.m.
The conference’s opening reception will feature keynote speaker Marsha Barrett. An assistant professor of history at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Barrett’s research examines the political and social history of the United States during the twentieth century. Her book, Nelson Rockefeller’s Dilemma: The Fight to Save Moderate Republicanism, provides a look at the transformation of the political landscape following the passage of 1960s federal civil rights legislation.

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Panel: “Land of the Great Rivers – From Paxsayek to Noyack: From Reciprocity to Extraction to Recognition”
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 11:50 a.m.
This diverse panel explores the history of land and waterways from Lenapehoking to Menungeteksuk, examining themes of colonization, enslavement, and resilience through an Indigenous and multidisciplinary lens.

Panelists include:

• Dr. James Amemasor, research specialist at New Jersey Historical Society and political science lecturer at Rutgers University-Newark
• Nohham Cachat-Schilling (Kanien’keha:ka/Nashaue, two-spirit), medicine elder for Bridge in the Sky Medicine Circle, advisor for Oso:ah Foundation, and chair of Massachusetts Ethical Archaeology Society
• Kerry Hardy, historical ecologist and the lead researcher, analyst, and cartographer for the Public History Project
• Jack (John Kuo Wei) Tchen, historian, curator, organizer, and the Clement A. Price Professor of Public History and Humanities and Director of the Price Institute, Rutgers-Newark
• Teresa Vega, genealogist and family history researcher

Learn More & Register
Educators can earn up to seven continuing teacher and leader education () clock hours for their participation. The price to attend the conference ranges from $50 for a student or educator ticket to $350 for an exhibitor booth. Please visit the New York History Conference’s website for full speaker lineups, panel descriptions, and registration details. Collaborators the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist University and the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta will host the conference in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

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About the Cultural Education Center

Established in 1836, the 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�� and . 

The , 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 , which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the , and the . 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 of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations. For more information, please visit the and . �į

Established in 1971, the 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 250 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 and . Researchers can access public records through the Archives’ online or by appointment on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center. For more information, please visit .��

The , 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: ; ; ; countless preservation projects to help stabilize and rehabilitate fragile records; and outreach programs such as , the , and other public education programs. to receive timely updates. ��

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the ����vlog’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or . �į  

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