New York State Museums and Culture

One of the most diverse cultures in the United States is the African-American. The Museum for African Art is a Queens museum that has taken the big step in solidifying a visual link between African society and the general populous by offering the best work on display to the public. This New York City museum has over 70 exhibitions, all showcasing the beauty and diversity of African art and constantly rotates their selections. It is also highly interactive with the public, housing an education department dedicated to enlightening people and helping to bring a better understanding about the African culture. While there, you may want to participate in one of the several hands-on workshops, take in a lecture from your favorite African artists, or perhaps sit down and watch a film series on one of many African topics. Most recently, the museum has constructed a whole theater program with the intention of further extending African knowledge through a wide variety of African live performances and visual arts. If you are intrigued by the depth of African society and want to see the very best displays of work from that society then make a stop into the Museum for African Art.

Known for being the first house museum on Staten Island, this New York City museum is rich in history on many levels. Its name lies in honor for the peace conference of 1776, a commemoration. Constructed circa 1680 by Captain Christopher Billopp, this 2 story rubble-stone masonry masterpiece has been restored over the years, as needed for structural integrity. Its steep gable roof gives the essence of the period. By 1934, much work had been completed including the Colonial Rose Garden and planting 13 trees to represent the original colonies. House tours are offered Friday-Sunday at 1 pm. In the midst of a collection of artifacts from the era, it is almost like stepping back to the time when our great country was still forming. The beauty and serenity overpower you while walking the grounds. Spring and summer bring the vivid colors of the trees to life. Why not stop for a minute to quite literally “smell the roses”? When the sun is descending, gaze over to the waterfront to enjoy the unparalleled sunset that exudes tangerine hues amid a backdrop of amber with scattered tones of violet entice you to just stand in awe of the beauty that is happening right before your eyes.

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum - a unique combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium and park - is dedicated to the education and enjoyment of the people of Long Island and beyond. This mission shall be achieved through the thoughtful preservation, interpretation and enhancement of the Eagle's Nest estate as an informal educational facility. Exhibition and program themes focus upon Long Island's Gold Coast Era and upon William K. Vanderbilt II's desire that his marine, natural history, and ethnographic collections promote appreciation and understanding of the marvelous diversity of life, other cultures, and scientific knowledge.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is the only museum in New York State exclusively preserving the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and the industries dependent on the river. Founded in 1980 by members of the "Steamship Alexander Hamilton Society," the National Maritime Historical Society, and local historians, the Museum is located in the Historic Rondout Waterfront at Kingston, NY, once the major port between New York City and Albany.

The Columbia County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of Columbia County, New York.
It is the Society's goal to encourage understanding, knowledge, and preservation of the County's heritage through the acquisition and conservation of historic lands, buildings, objects and documents, and through the sponsorship of research, publications, exhibitions, and educational programs.

The Long Island Museum is a place to rediscover the richness of America’s cultural heritage.
In 2006, the Long Island Museum joined a small group of museums and cultural institutions nationwide in becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate. The Smithsonian Affiliations program allows select organizations to have greater access to its collections and educational resources, sharing, educational initiatives and research efforts.

CPW's galleries are free & open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, from 12 to 5pm year-round. CPW Offices, library, and darkroom are open Monday-Friday, 10-6pm.Staff are available by appointment.

Amherst Museum (a Department of the Town of Amherst, NY) is an educational institution whose mission is to engage a diverse audience in the exploration of history and its influence on present-day life in the Niagara Frontier, with emphasis on the Town of Amherst. We achieve our mission through historical research and interpretation, preservation and management of our collections and historic buildings, and creative activities and events.

The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs.

Museum Village was the vision of Roscoe William Smith, an electrical engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and collector who contributed to his native Orange County in many ways during his 99 years. Roscoe made his fortune as founder of the Orange and Rockland electric company in 1905. The wealth he generated from his successful company and investments allowed him to give back to the community in many ways. Probably Mr. Smith's most cherished gift to the local community was Museum Village of Old Smith's Clove. Mr. Smith was passionate about American history and was an avid collector of Americana. His collection varied widely, from textiles and porcelain items to horse-drawn carriages. His main interest, was in craft tools and mechanical devices: their invention, adaptation and development which he realized were slowly disappearing.

The Children’s Museum is developmentally appropriate for elementary aged children and younger, however we find that some older children enjoy the museum when accompanying younger visitors. Additionally, we have programs designed to include older children. Please feel free to call us if you have questions about the nature of our exhibits or programs.

A Century and a Half of History A mill site since 1846, for most of its commercial life Hanford Mills was owned and operated by the family of David Josiah Hanford, who purchased the mill in 1860. Under the Hanfords, the mill grew into a "rural industrial complex" that included a sawmill, gristmill, feed mill, woodworking shop and hardware store.

West Point Museum. All visitors to the United States Military Academy are encouraged to tour the Museum to view what is considered to be the oldest and largest diversified public collection of miltaria in the Western Hemisphere.
As a department of the United States Military Academy, the Museum supports cadet academic, military and cultural instruction. Its collections include nearly all aspects of military history and encompass the history of West Point and the United States Military Academy, the evolution of warfare, and the development of the American Armed Forces. While only a portion of the collection is on display, all artifacts are available for cadet academic instruction, special exhibition and research.

Located in the heart of the historic village of Cherry Valley, the museum houses some of the finest examples of Early Americana in the state. A complete collection of Victorian furniture, housewares, toys and clothing. Revolutionary war artifacts from the Cherry Valley Massacre of 1778. Historic portraits, a Civil War Flag made by Cherry Valley women for the volunteer militia and carried by the NYS 76th Volunteers in 1862. There are also early Fire pumpers and equipment and a bible pierced by an arrow from the massacre. These are just a few of the items you will see as you tour this museum.

A true "living" museum of antique aviation located in Rhinebeck, New York. We present one of the largest collections of early aeroplanes in the world, many of which regularly take to the air in all their glory during our weekend airshows. The Aerodrome features aeroplanes, automobiles, motorcycles, early engines and memorabilia from 1900-1935. In addition to the airshows, there are four museum buildings displaying aircraft form the Pioneer Era, World War I and the Lindbergh/Barnstorming era. These were the golden years of aviation.

Established in 1963, the Southeast Museum offers exhibits on the history of the Town of Southeast, including the early American Circus, the Harlem Line Railroad, the Tilly Foster Mine, the Borden Milk Condensery, and the Croton Reservoir System.
In addition, the museum presents various changing exhibits, drawing on its extensive collection of antique farm and household implements, quilts, clothing and assorted Americana reflecting 19th century material culture. The museum is located on Main Street, Brewster in one of Putnam County's largest landmarked buildings, the 1896 Old Town Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Foolish mortals beware! We love to put a little fright in your day. See if you survive the Black Hole. If so, you have made it through a journey of terror in the House of Frankenstein.

The mission of the Frederic Remington Art Museum is to collect, exhibit, preserve and interpret the art and archives of Frederic Remington. We foster an appreciation for and understanding of the artist by educating our audience in the visual arts, providing a context for Remington's art and times, and offering hands-on opportunities to individuals of all age groups.
The Frederic Remington Art Museum, located in Ogdensburg, New York, houses a comprehensive collection of original Remington paintings, sketches and sculptures, as well as a broad array of personal effects and correspondence that serve to bring the artist and his vision to life.
Many of Remington's best-known sculptures and oil paintings can be found in the Albert Priest Newell Gallery. Changing exhibits of his North Country and Canadian watercolors, sketches, and illustrations hang in the Addie Priest Newell Gallery. Personal possessions, studio equipment, and memorabilia are displayed throughout the museum.

Located near downtown Glens Falls, a small city at the southeastern edge of the Adirondack Mountains, an hour north of Albany, New York. Today the museum consists of the restored Victorian home of the DeLong family, a changing exhibition gallery, research archive and gift shop.

Over the 70 years since its erection, the building witnessed several renovations and the attachment in 1990 of the Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet Elementary School in a multi-story addition. The school serves more than 1,100 students and offers specialized science education in the Museum. We were the first museum in the nation to have an elementary school both physically and programmatically linked.
As the Museum continues to grow and looks to the future, which will most likely include a major expansion of the Museum's facilities, we consistently strive to present premier traveling and permanent exhibits, and educational programming. Pledging to showcase the BEST to motivate learning, the Buffalo Museum of Science provides smart fun for visitors for all ages.

The Adirondack Museum believes in the power of history to ignite the imagination, stimulate thought and shape the future. Our collections and engaging programs reflect stories of life, work, and play in the Adirondack Park and northern New York State.
The Adirondack Museum is renowned for the breadth of its collections that include historic artifacts, photographs, archival materials, and fine art documenting the Adirondack region's past. Twenty-two exhibit spaces and galleries tell the stories of the men and women who have lived, worked and played in the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.
The museum includes a research library, publications program, and an active education department that offers special events, classes, symposia, workshops, demonstrations, field trips, and engaging hands-on experiences for thousands of visitors each year.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York State, ESRM is dedicated to bringing alive the history of the railroads, their people and the towns they served, to the residents and visitors of the Catskills and the greater Hudson Valley. Established in 1960, our museum is open to the public weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through October. We look forward to your visit!
From the late 1800's through the 1940's the rugged steam locomotives of the Ulster & Delaware; Catskill Mountain Railroad; New York Central; New York, Ontario & Western; and Delaware & Northern climbed their steep and winding mountain grades bound for the grand hotels and humble boarding houses of the Catskills Mountains. They returned with lumber, bluestone, dairy and agricultural products of the region for transport to the New York City metropolitan area. ESRM is dedicated to bringing alive the history of these railroads, their people and the towns they served, to the residents and visitors of the Catskill Mountains and the greater Hudson Valley.

Museum and Country Store.

The 10 buildings on the campus contain 29,000 square feet of exhibit space and 33,000 square feet of public program, collections storage, archives, library and administration space. The exhibits and programs are supported by 20,000 square feet of boat collection storage located a short distance from the Museum's main campus. In the last decade the Museum has undertaken a substantial capital expansion program to consolidate its real estate holdings and construct buildings and infrastructure worthy of its collection and programs. From humble beginnings as a riverside gathering of antique boat enthusiasts, the Antique Boat Museum has evolved into a national institution which makes substantial economic and cultural contributions to Clayton, the North Country region and the preservation of North America's maritime heritage.

The Lucy Desi Center for Comedy and The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

It is an organization of some 4,000 members linked by a common interest in the history of electrical and electronic communications. AWA members come from all walks of life and our ranks include teenagers, octogenarians, and beyond in both directions. At one of our meets, you might find yourself shaking hands with a retired broadcast executive or military electronics specialist, an engineer in a high-tech electronics firm, or an eager young man looking for advice on restoring his first radio.

The NSM is an aviation museum working to preserve the history of motorless flight. Stop in and see a multitude of gliders on display, try out computerized flight simulators, and participate in fun educational programs.

DIRECTIONS: AIHA is located at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Dove Street in downtown Albany, one block west of the New York State Capitol.
From I-787 take Empire State Plaza exit; bear right onto Swan Street. Follow Swan Street three traffic lights to Elk Street. Turn left onto Elk Street. Turn left into the AIHA parking lot.

The Mission of the NMD is to cultivate, promote, foster and develop amongst its members and the community at large, the appreciation, understanding, taste and love of dance and its history, and to provide the means for popular instruction and enjoyment thereof; to collect, classify, preserve and protect records, articles and subjects of historic interest; to select, annually, one or more individuals, corporations, dance companies, associations or other institutions as honorees to be named in the National Museum of Dance Hall of Fame.

Mission Statement – To honor and promote the history and contemporary culture of the Iroquois peoples, with special emphasis on the Senecas by collecting and preserving Seneca-Iroquois cultural objects, 2) displaying and interpreting them to the Seneca people and general public, 3) educating people of all ages about traditional and contemporary Seneca culture, and 4) revitalizing and promoting the changing culture of the Seneca Nation of Indians.