Category Archives: Historic Sites

Family Fun, Historic Sites, Recreation, Winter Activities

Ten Winter Activities At State Parks and Historic Sites

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Centuries of holiday traditions to experience. A park that’s only open one season a year. Meteor showers overhead, tracks through the snow, and miles of trails to enjoy in a whole different way.

Winter fun is everywhere at state parks and historic sites! Below are ten activities we suggest you experience this season.

The heart of winter: the ski lodge at Fahnestock Winter Park in the Hudson Valley.

1. Visit Fahnestock Winter Park. Celebrate the spirit of winter at the only park in our system devoted exclusively to the season. At Fahnestock, you’ll discover 20 kilometers of machine-groomed cross-country ski trails, an extensive network of blazed snowshoeing trails, and sledding and tubing. Fuel up at the concession stand and unwind by the fire pit with your fellow winter lovers for the full seasonal experience! No gear? No problem! You can rent equipment for skate and classic skiing, as well as snowshoes, sledding tubes, and tow-behind baby pulks. Check conditions before you go.

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Art, Historic Sites, State History

Kristine Mays Sculpture Exhibit Makes New York Debut at Jay Estate Gardens

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From their earliest conception, the Jay Estate Gardens in Rye have been a place to host meaningful dialogues about American history and memory. A new outdoor wire sculpture exhibit created by acclaimed artist Kristine Mays expands upon that intentionality, celebrating and memorializing the spirts of enslaved people. Curated by the nonprofit Jay Heritage Center (JHC), “Rich Soil” is the first collection of fine art pieces to be installed in the historic landscape.

“I am breathing life into wire. With each work, I create a form that reveals the essence of a person and that speaks to humanity as a whole,” Mays said.

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Historic Sites, Stewardship

Dutch Royalty Visit Schuyler Mansion, Talk Climate Change

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On June 12, New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation proudly hosted their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands; Minister of Foreign Trade Liesje Schreinemacher; Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the US Birgitta Tazelaar; Consul General of the Netherlands in New York Ahmed Dadou; and Cultural Attaché Monique Ruhe at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site. The group visited as part of their U.S. tour celebrating cultural ties and reinforcing economic opportunities, and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado helped us welcome them.

Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado are welcomed to Schuyler Mansion by Historic Site Manager Heidi Hill and Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

As part of their visit to New York, their Royal Majesties visited with next-generation environmentalists to engage in conversations about the impacts of climate change and positive actions that could be taken, both here and in the Netherlands, to foster climate resiliency in communities.

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2024 Centennial Celebration, Camping, Family Fun, Fun & Games, Hiking, Historic Sites, Recreation

Summer Fun at State Parks and Historic Sites

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There’s nothing quite like a New York summer! It’s peak season at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. Camping is in full swing, whether it’s in one of our cabins, or in tents or RVs. The swimming season is underway at our beaches and pools. And if you’re looking to make the most of the season, we’ve got you covered. Our expert staff members have combed the state to suggest exciting summertime experiences for everyone. There’s bound to be something new for you on this list!

Listen to the Sounds of Summer

Performances at Artpark, left, and at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park.

Summer concerts are happening all season long, and there’s an affordable live music option for everyone. Enjoy the longer days and warmer nights with festivals and performances by world-famous musical artists at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park, Jones Beach Theater at the iconic Jones Beach in Wantagh, and Artpark in Lewiston, or boogie with your favorite local bands at a state park or historic site near you. All options offer the chance to relax and enjoy the show from a blanket or chair.

– Written by Gabriela Wemple, Excelsior Service Fellow

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Art, Flora & Fauna, Historic Sites, Park History

Landscape Architecture In Full Flower

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Is there a greater source of inspiration than nature? The natural world has inspired great works of art in every genre and style from cave paintings to classical sculpture, lyric poetry to hit movies, orchestral works to electronic soundscapes. Landscape architecture takes this process one step further, in which nature becomes the art. A landscape architect studies for years to learn the art, science and craft of working with plants and trees to make an artistic statement that complements both the natural surroundings and the architecture and meets the needs of their client.

New York State Parks and Historic Sites preserves many remarkable landscapes. As National Garden Week draws to a close, discover iconic landscapes at our historic sites and the fascinating stories behind them.

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