As a New York State Park Ranger, every day is different. You can never be quite sure what you may encounter, or who you may cross paths with, but each day offers an opportunity to make an impact on the experience that visitors have when coming to enjoy New York State Parks. Below are some of the many stories from Park Rangers across the state about their experience working in parks this summer, in their own words!
Continue reading Park Rangers Share Tales from the FieldMonthly Archives: October 2025
Playful Costumes From the Past, Just in Time for Halloween
Halloween is almost here and that means costumes! Maybe you’re putting the finishing touches on your own or your child’s. Maybe your creation has been done for weeks and you’re ready to show it off. Maybe you’re about to close this window and type “easy Halloween costumes for sale, next-day shipping” into your search engine. Or maybe all of the costume chatter simply brings back memories of costumes from years past.
Costumes are nothing new. Worn for parties or plays, they have been popular throughout history. Explore some costumes that were photographed and featured in the family albums from Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown and John Jay Homestead State Historic Site in Katonah. (Bonus: Some costumes were saved and are now part of their historic collections!)
Reflections on the Erie Canal During its Bicentennial Year
The history and impact of the Erie Canal stretches back over 200 years, across more than 300 miles, and millions of lives. It is complicated, it is messy, it is multidimensional. You can become fascinated by it through the economics, the politics, the engineering, the social and cultural changes, the environmental impact, music, folktales, art, or a general love of history. Like the canal itself, history is a ribbon that connects us, for all the good and the bad.
The capstone of the revitalization of the Erie Canal during its Bicentennial is the inspiring journey of a replica canal barge. Buffalo Maritime Center enlisted the help of volunteers, donations and corporate sponsors to create a new version of The Seneca Chief. The original barge made the inaugural journey on the entirety of the canal in October of 1825, carrying Governor DeWitt Clinton and a keg of Lake Erie water. The replica Seneca Chief is on a similar journey in its path across New York State, but on a far larger, more complex journey through history.
Continue reading Reflections on the Erie Canal During its Bicentennial Year
Autumn in New York (State Parks and Historic Sites)
Short and sunny days, crunchy leaves, honking geese, the strong desire for pumpkin spice: it must be fall! Temperatures are just right for hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. It’s a time of year that sparks inspiration, curiosity and wonder. Our parks and historic sites are here to help you make the most of it! Read on for ideas on how to have the best fall ever.
Continue reading Autumn in New York (State Parks and Historic Sites)
Recording Latin Music History in New York City
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, Casa Amadeo, antigua Casa Hernández is best known as the Bronx’s longest continually run music establishment and the oldest Latin music store in New York City. The store’s founder, Victoria Hernández, is one of the earliest female Puerto Rican entrepreneurs in the city. The National Register listing highlights her story and the lasting impact she had on the city’s Latin music scene.
This history is just part of the story! Read the complete nomination for Casa Amadeo.
Looming on a corner along Prospect Avenue in the Bronx, this 1905 Neo-Renaissance style apartment building is home to a cornerstone of New York City’s Latin music history.
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 