The Centennial celebration of 2024 was a tough act to follow! We launched the second century of Parks and Historic Sites by meeting the moment and building towards the future, and even welcoming the entire golfing world to Bethpage State Park for the Ryder Cup. Let’s take a look back at the year that was!
Across New York, outdated infrastructure is getting a second chance to serve communities. Former factories, railroads, and hospitals are now spaces for New Yorkers to get outside, get some exercise, and disconnect from their electronic devices. In this new series, we explore how your favorite state parks once served a very different but equally important purpose to our state.
In this first installment of Infrastructure’s Second Act, fasten your seatbelts and learn about the state parks built from former transportation infrastructure, including railroads and canals. These sites served as critical community connectors in the past, and now connect communities in a much different way: as places to recreate, relax, and enjoy the natural world.
Continue reading Infrastructure’s Second Act: Transforming Rails to TrailsNamed 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.
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)For millions of us, “I Love New York” is more than just a slogan. It’s a way of life. The state’s incredible natural beauty makes it easy to love. On your fall rambles, show off your state pride and take on the Symbols of New York State Scavenger Hunt. See how many of these state symbols you can find!
Continue reading Celebrate the Empire State With the ‘Symbols of New York State’ Scavenger Hunt
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 