All posts by New York State Parks

Family Fun, Hiking, State History

Sojourner Truth Day: Community Food Drive Celebrates Trailblazing Park Namesake

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Named in honor of the life and legacy of the 19th-century African American abolitionist and suffragist, Sojourner Truth State Park in the Hudson Valley is one of the newest acquisitions to the New York state park and historic site system. First announced in 2022, the park reclaims more than 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline land shared by the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster. It opened to the public the following year.

Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree (also known as Bomefree) in 1797, enslaved among Dutch people in Ulster County. A dynamic human rights advocate, she “walked away by day-light,” freeing herself from slavery one year before legal enslavement ended in New York. Her accomplishments and vital contributions to American history are recognized not only with the park’s naming, but also with the installation of a bronze statue at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, created by sculptor Vinnie Bagwell.

Governor Hochul designated November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State last year, and we can’t wait to share our plans to celebrate this trailblazing New Yorker with you.  

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree in 1797, was an Ulster County native and a leader in the abolition and suffrage movements. This bronze statue of her can be found at Walkway Over the Hudson State Park. In 2022, a new park named in her honor was announced. The park is celebrating its first Sojourner Truth Day on Nov. 22.
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Park Personnel, safety, Stewardship, Visitor Gratitude

Park Rangers Share Tales from the Field

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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!

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Historic Sites, history

Playful Costumes From the Past, Just in Time for Halloween

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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!) 

Two young girls stand next to each other on a columned porch. They wear matching hats, sweaters, dresses, and shoes. Both are holding carved pumpkin jack-o-lanterns.
Honoria and Janet Livingston on the porch at Clermont State Historic Site holding jack-o-lanterns (1915). Photograph in photo album. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Clermont State Historic Site. Gift of Honoria Livingston McVitty, CL.2000.211.20.F 
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history, Recreation, State History

Reflections on the Erie Canal During its Bicentennial Year

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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 Seneca Chief prepares to depart from Buffalo to replicate the inaugural journey on the Erie Canal. Photo courtesy of Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site.

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.

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Family Fun, Hiking, Historic Sites, Recreation, Wellness

Autumn in New York (State Parks and Historic Sites)

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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.

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