Research & Collections

From its beginning in 1836, the New York State Museum has been home to some of the nation’s leading scientists, including pioneers in archaeology, paleontology, ethnology, and botany. Its collections now rank among the finest in many fields and total more than sixteen million specimens, objects, and artifacts.

Archaeology

Biology

Ethnography

Geology

History

Paleontology

State History1

Research at the New York State Museum today is as exciting as it is varied, with scientists and historians actively directing projects in biology, anthropology, geology, paleontology, and history. Research by staff represents one tangible way in which information about the natural and cultural histories of New York, and the world, is made available to the public. Research findings are presented in scholarly and popular publications, at professional meetings, in exhibitions, and in public programs.

Researchers throughout the world use the collections of the New York State Museum to address questions about New York's natural and human heritage. The Museum’s collections are made available to researchers and scholars and are also used in exhibitions and public programs. Participation in Museum collections curation and research projects is possible through internships and volunteer opportunities.

To explore the Museum’s Research and Collections Division, hover your mouse over the Research and Collections block at the top navigation bar.

News Articles

Multi-year Proposals Sought for Journal of the CCHS

Published November 4, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Chenango County Historical Society website. The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) recently commemorated “National Author’s Day,” celebrating regional writers who contributed to the 10th anniv...

Humanities NY Reading & Discussion Application Open

Published November 4, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in a Humanities NY newsletter. In each of Humanities NY's Reading & Discussion Programs, participants read a series of thematically linked texts over the course of four, five, or six sessions.&nbsp...

Pomeroy Foundation Grants Available for Historic Markers in Central New York

Published November 4, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the William G. Pomeroy Foundation website. The next regional round of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State Historic Marker Grant Program is now open. Markers funded through the program commemora...

Path Through History: Wyoming County's National Votes for Women Trail

Published November 2, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Wyoming County Tourism website. The National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites, in partnership with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, began a series of roadside markers across the United State...

Pomeroy Fund for NYS History Awards $100,000 to Support Museum Educators and Educational Programs

Published October 27, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the William G. Pomeroy Foundation website. The Pomeroy Fund for NYS History has awarded 20 history-related organizations across New York State $5,000 each during its fifth grant round to bring back or hire mu...

Transporting Grains on the Erie Canal

Published October 25, 2022 | Economic History

On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal officially opened from Albany to Buffalo. The canal was an immediate success: shipping costs plummeted, and new services and goods became widely available. Cheap, reliable transportation opened new markets ...

Daughters of the American Revolution and William G. Pomeroy Foundation® Launch Historic Marker Program to Commemorate Revolutionary America

Published October 25, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in a William G. Pomeroy Foundation press release. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and William G. Pomeroy Foundation a...

AASLH 2023 Conference Call for Papers

Published October 12, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the AASLH website. The preamble to the United States Constitution, begins with the phrase “We, the People…” This phrase has become synonymous with the definition of an American identity. Despite its inclusive...

DHPSNY Launches 2022 Constituent Needs Survey

Published October 12, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in a DHPSNY newsletter. The DHPSNY team is continually evaluating our services to ensure we are meeting the needs of collecting institutions across New York State. We have developed this short survey for you ...

New History U High School Course: The History of American Protest

Published October 5, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History website. The Gilder Lehrman Institute's History U lets high school students explore American history with top scholars—completely free of charge. ...

Clarkson University Receives $50K Pomeroy Foundation Grant to Support Students Majoring in History

Published October 4, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the William G. Pomeroy Foundation website.  Clarkson University has received a $50,000 grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation® to support students majoring in history who pursue service-learni...

MANY 2023 Call for Proposals

Published October 3, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the MANY website. MANY welcomes proposals for conference sessions, workshops, panel discussions, facilitated discussions, and peer-to-peer learning experiences that focus on our 2023 conference theme,&nbs...

Submit a Presentation Proposal for NYSCSS 2023

Published September 30, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in a NYSCSS newsletter. Submit a proposal for a presentation that focuses on the pivotal role of teaching and learning Social Studies in a changing world.  Be part of one of the best Social Studies professi...

Governor Hochul Announces Unprecedented $150 Million in Capital Funding Opportunities to Open for Arts and Culture Organizations

Published September 30, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared on the New York State Governor's Office website. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a record $150 million in capital funding will be available for arts and culture organizations through the New York State Cou...

Historical Reenactment Encampments and Anniversary Events return to Saratoga National Historical Park

Published September 29, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in a National Park Service press release. Saratoga National Historical Park is excited to announce a series 245th Anniversary Commemoration Events scheduled for October 2022. “We are eager to welcome eve...

A New York Minute in History Podcast Announces 5th Season

Published September 28, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in a WAMC press release. The award-winning podcast A New York Minute In History has launched its fifth season as it continues to explore the unique tales of New Yorkers throughout American history. This new 12-e...

Orange County Historian to Host Trip to Europe to Pay Tribute to Harlem’s Rattlers (the 369th New York Infantry Regiment) in World War I

Published September 23, 2022 | State History

This article originally appeared in an Orange County Historian's Office press release. Orange County Historian Johanna Yaun will host a trip to Belgium and France next year to honor the soldiers who served in the 369th New York Infantry Regimen...

Registration Now Open for New York State History and Education Conference

Research & Collections