Category Archives: history

history, Park Projects, Recreation, Uncategorized

Iconic East Bathhouse Project Brings Past and Present Together at Jones Beach

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A day spent at the beach or by the pool in the summer is a core Long Island experience. There’s nothing better than a dip in the water to cool off from the heat, and a trip to Jones Beach State Park has it all: sun, sand and, soon, a new safe place to have fun in the water!

In summer of 2026, the iconic 1930 Jones Beach East Bathhouse will be reimagined for a new generation to enjoy. As part of Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS Initiative to expand access to safe swimming in New York, a $100 million investment was secured for the revitalization. State Parks is overseeing the project in collaboration with the Office of General Services, and construction is currently underway.

Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons and Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy give an update on construction at the Jones Beach East Bathhouse. The project is under budget, ahead of schedule and slated to be completed in 2026.
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2024 Centennial Celebration, history, Park History, Recreation, Stewardship

A Vision for the Future: The Final Chapter of ‘Blazing A Trail’ 

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The final chapter of the interactive history timeline, Blazing a Trail: A History of NY State Parks and Historic Sites, has been released, completing the chronicling and sharing of our agency’s history in celebration of our Centennial anniversary. In detailing the future of New York State Parks and our ongoing efforts, we hope that this era leaves you inspired to not only learn more, but to take an active role in shaping the future of our park and historic site system. In the final installment of this eight-era series, “Tomorrow & Beyond” explores how New York State Parks will combat climate change, expand access to our parks and sites, share previously undertold history, use new technology, and improve and expand our system of 250 state parks, historic sites, golf courses, and boat launches. 

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history, Research, State History

The Lavender Hill Commune and LGBTQ Liberation in Central New York

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The Stonewall Inn, a State Historic Site in our system, is the most well-known place in LGBTQ American history. In June 1969, following a routine police raid, patrons at the Mafia-run Stonewall Inn, as well as young queer and trans people who lived or regularly congregated in Greenwich Village, spontaneously erupted in multiple nights of protest. The event was a turning point in the ongoing LGBTQ rights movement and sparked its growth in New York City, New York State, and across the nation. Organizations and groups formed around the country to promote LGBTQ rights, and thousands of people became active in the movement.

LGBTQ history often focuses on large coastal cities like New York and San Francisco. However, the gay liberation movement that emerged in the wake of Stonewall reverberated in small towns and rural settings as well. One such example is the Lavender Hill commune in central New York, listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places on December 5, 2024, and in the National Register of Historic Places on February 3, 2025.

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history

Congratulations to the 2025 Historic Preservation Award Honorees!

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Since the 1980s, our agency’s Division of Historic Preservation has recognized outstanding individuals and projects with the annual Historic Preservation Awards.

These honorees represent reverence for the past and creativity and vision for the future, combined with the necessary attention to detail, perseverance, skill and hard work it takes to bring historic preservation projects to life. From a rustic farm to a bootlegger’s warehouse, let’s take a look at some of the projects and people our agency honored this year.

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Historic Sites, history, State History

175 Years of Collecting Historic Objects in New York State 

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Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh includes the Hasbrouck House and the Museum Building (shown in background). The Hasbrouck House is furnished to reflect when General George Washington was using it as his headquarters during the American Revolutionary War. The Museum Building houses and displays historic artifacts and exhibitions.

In April 1850, the 1750 Hasbrouck House in Newburgh was transformed into New York State’s first state historic site: Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site. 

1895 view of the site and grounds. Washington’s Headquarters was the first state-owned historic site in New York.

Since then, New York State has collected objects, archival materials, and other items related to New York’s history. 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of New York’s state historic sites – which now number over 35 locations, over a million historic objects, and over three million archaeological objects. 

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