history, Research, State History

25 National Register Sites to Know in New York

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We’re showcasing some of the stand-out, unusual, and noteworthy New York State listings in the National Register of Historic Places in honor of the milestone 200th meeting of the New York State Board for Historic Preservation (on September 10, 2025). There are around 130,000 resources in New York listed in the National Register, either as individual sites or as parts of historic districts.

Our list recognizes decades of work by historic preservationists. They are listed here in no particular order, but rather by characteristic or region to give a flavor of the different types of listings on the register.

The Board – which was established in 1972 and expanded by the New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980 – works with the New York State Historic Preservation Office to review nominations to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. You can learn more about the State Review Board online.

Let’s start exploring!

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2025 Ryder Cup, Park Personnel

Preparing for “The Super Bowl of Golf:” Meet the Team Behind Bethpage State Park 

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Bethpage State Park on Long Island has been known as “The People’s Country Club” for generations. Now hosting the Ryder Cup this September at the park’s famed Black course, fans from around the world will tune in for the biggest event in golf with all eyes on Bethpage.

What does it take to put on a tournament of that magnitude? Bethpage’s current and former park directors, greens specialist, course supervisors and more share their behind-the-scenes preparation ahead of the big week.

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Historic Sites, history, Park Projects, State History

Returning Home: Solomon Northup at Saratoga Spa State Park

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A statue of abolitionist and writer Solomon Northup, whose story was told in his memoir and the Academy Award-winning film Twelve Years a Slave, has provided a space for reflection at Saratoga Spa State Park this summer. The 13-foot bronze “Hope Out of Darkness” sculpture was unveiled during a July 10 ceremony attended by Northup descendants, area officials and community members on the lawn in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse.  

The Solomon Northup “Hope Out of Darkness” statue is on view in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse (65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) through Oct. 19, 2025.  

Northup, a free-born Black American born in Minerva, NY, lived in Saratoga Springs with his wife and children for about seven years when he was tricked into joining a traveling circus. This sinister ploy led to Northup being kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in April 1841 and sold into slavery.  

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Flora & Fauna, Stewardship

Move Over, Candid Camera: New York Wildlife Caught on Trail Video

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Humans aren’t the only species of animals that enjoy state parks. Park staff will occasionally find clues of what animals may live there, such as scat, a chewed branch, or a feather. But we don’t always get to watch out for wildlife to stroll on by, especially in remote parts of parks. The best tool for this job is a game camera. Park staff use these camera traps to ‘capture’ these animals in a safe, respectful way. 

Park educators from across New York have put together a snapshot of what we’ve discovered. Now, you too can witness and enjoy some of our favorite remarkable wildlife encounters taking place here at our parks when humans are not present.

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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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The official blog for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation