Tag Archives: New York State History

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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history, Recreation, State History

Celebrating 200 Years Along the Erie Canal

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In 2025, New York State commemorates the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo. This event was transformative for both the state and the nation, linking the Great Lakes with the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean in an unprecedentedly efficient waterway. During the bicentennial, we are offered an opportunity to reflect on two centuries of rich and complex history and discover how that period’s impacts allow us to explore and enjoy the Canal today.

Aerial of Lock Canal 6 park as part of the Flight of Locks in Waterford, NY. Photo credit: NYPA/Canal Corp. (Philip Kamrass/ New York Power Authority).
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history, Park History, State History

Seneca Culture Lives at Genesee River Valley State Parks

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Any settlement story of the state parks along the Genesee River in the western part of New York State begins with the Onöndowa’ga:’, the People of the Great Hill.

The Genesee River’s sweeping valley, with naturally re-nourishing floodplains, hills, and well-draining glacial moraines ideal for farm towns, is the dominant land feature of the region. Flowing to Lake Ontario in Rochester, the Genesee River’s tributaries branch through Monroe, Livingston, Wyoming, Genesee, Ontario, Allegany, Steuben, and Orleans Counties. The Onöndowa’ga:’ are master agriculturalists who established the first permanent towns on this landscape, known regionally today as the “Genesee Country.”

Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park.
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Family Fun, Recreation, State History

Your Guide To Fall At New York State Parks And Historic Sites

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Crisp air. Crunchy leaves. Fall is a magical season. Temperatures are just right for hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. There’s vibrant color everywhere and honking geese overhead. It’s the season of apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice, and of course, Halloween! Maybe that’s why fall has eclipsed summer as the busiest time of year at our parks and historic sites? For your consideration and enjoyment, our seasonal outdoor fun experts have returned to help you squeeze every last drop out of this delightful season!

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history, Park History, Research

From A to T: A Look at Rustic Park Architecture in New York State

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On a trip to a New York State park, you are likely to encounter distinct—and historic—architecture that feels, well, like it belongs in a park. And that’s because many of the historic buildings and structures in our system were originally part of a movement to create a distinct architectural style for park infrastructure. How did that develop? Read on to learn more about park architecture from the 1920s and 1930s…from administration buildings to trail shelters!

Planning and Building for Public Use

The development of the state park system, which began with the adoption of a unified state park plan in 1924, necessitated the construction of buildings and structures that could accommodate increased public usage in the pre-World War II era. These included bathhouses, erected for the use of patrons at parks with swimming facilities; picnic pavilions and smaller trail shelters, which provided shelter to park visitors during inclement weather or for special events; cabins, built to accommodate overnight visitors that did not wish to camp; and other specialized buildings, including park offices, golf clubhouses, and public restrooms.

Rustic Design

The architectural program of the New York State Park system between the late 1920s and early 1940s was decidedly rustic. This meant that projects usually used locally available natural materials, had a natural color palette, exhibited straightforward but skilled craftsmanship, and were designed to be integrated with their natural surroundings.

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