On April 8, New York State Parks and Historic Sites welcomed people from around the world to share a once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse. Thousands of people enjoyed a rich, memorable experience thanks to the hard work of our staff over a two-year period.

Public Information Officer Angela Berti of the Niagara Region led this effort on behalf of State Parks and represented our agency on the statewide Eclipse Task Force.

Our Park Police used their expertise in peacefully managing large crowds to keep our visitors safe. Countless staff worked behind the scenes and on the front lines to open selected campgrounds for the occasion, plan educational programming, get the word out to the public, make sure our parks were in top condition, and ensure the safety of our visitors.

As Chief of Staff and Commissioner Pro Tempore, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all the hard work of our staff in preparing for this remarkable event. Enjoy reliving the day with photos from around our parks and sites!

Awaiting totality: Making a pinhole camera at Crown Point State Park, chalk drawings at Letchworth and Cumberland Bay State Parks, Eclipse Fest at Knox Farm State Park (photo by Calvin Nemec of Odyssey Media).

Making a day of it at Delta Lake State Park, Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Letchworth State Park, Knox Farm State Park, and Midway State Park. Knox Farm photo courtesy of Calvin Nemec of Odyssey Media.

The Environmental Education Staff was hard at work on Eclipse Day, and in the lead-up to the event. L to R: staff at Delta Lake State Park, a display at Lake Erie State Park, the Environmental Educator tent at Niagara Falls State Park.