Skip to main content

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

Archaeology

Biology

Biology

Ethnography

Ethnography

Geology

Geology

History

History

Paleontology

Paleontology

State History1

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

‘Chenango County in Fifty Stories’ Exhibit Refresh Made Possible by Follett Foundation

Published October 1, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Chenango County Historical Society website. On Oct. 12, in celebration of Path Through History weekend, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will unveil an exhibit refresh of “Chenango County in ...

World Canals Conference 2025

Published September 24, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the World Canals Conference website. The World Canals Conference is the marquee event for inland waterways experts and enthusiasts from all over the world to gather and learn from one another. Follow your pas...

NYSCSS Call for Proposals

Published September 19, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the New York Council for the Social Studies website. NYSCSS 2025 87th Annual Convention: Social Studies: Start a Revolution! Request for Proposals Due Date: Friday, October 20, 2024 With Social Studies p...

Pomeroy Foundation Marker Grant Program Commemorates Transportation History

Published September 10, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the William G. Pomeroy Foundation website. Communities across the United States are invited to commemorate their local and regional transportation history with fully funded historical markers from the William...

Stefan Bielinski Memorial Donation

Published September 9, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the New York State Archives Partnership Trust website.  We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague from the NYS Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education, which includes th...

Erie Canal Bicentennial Research Project

Published September 6, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Erie Canal Museum website. In partnership with historical organizations, colleges, and universities across New York, the Erie Canal Museum is excited to announce a public call for new research on the Erie...

I Love NY Path Through History Weekend

Published September 4, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the I Love NY website. Fall Path Through History Weekends will take place October 12-14. Participation is open to all sites hosting an event at any point during the weekend. Unique offerings can hel...

Remarkable Documents Lay Bare New York’s History of Slavery

Published September 4, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Smithsonian Magazine website. In 1796, when slavery remained both legal and common in New York, a white man named Aquila Giles set out to free Hannah, a 30-year-old woman he enslaved, and her daughter, Ab...

Inclusive Interpretation of Slavery for America 250 and Beyond

Published September 4, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the AASLH website. The upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding is an opportunity for museums and historic sites with stories of slavery to create programs that explore our collective history...

2024 International Spa Heritage Festival

Published September 3, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Saratoga Spa Heritage website. Spa Heritage Conference – Celebrate the NYS Parks Centennial and discover what it means to be a spa town and learn about Saratoga Spa State Park’s European heritage. Jo...

Stefan Bielinski, pioneering historian of Albany's working class, dies at 77

Published September 3, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Times Union website. Stefan Bielinski, a social historian at the New York State Museum for nearly five decades who compiled a one-of-a-kind historical database of Albany's history and inhabitants during t...

Dutch Albany in History & Art: The 46th New Netherland Institute Conference

Published September 3, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in a New Netherland Institute newsletter. Join us for a joint conference with the Albany Institute of History & Art and the New York State Library.  This conference illuminates and expands upon themes e...

National Park Service Awards $10 Million to Historic Sites and Structures in 9 States to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

Published August 28, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the National Parks Service website. The National Park Service (NPS) today awarded $10 million in funding from the Semiquincentennial Grant Program, an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of th...

IMLS Maintains Commitment to Museums, Opens FY25 Grant Funding Cycle

Published August 28, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared on the IMLS website.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for eight museum grant programs. Museums and related organizations across the United States are encourag...

Save the Date: American Revolutionary War Conference 2025

Published August 28, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in a Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park newsletter.  We at the Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park want to thank everyone for their continued support of our annual conference, The American Rev...

IMLS Awards Over $9M in Grant Funding through National Leadership Grants for Museums

Published August 28, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in an IMLS press release. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced its final Fiscal Year 2024 grant recipients. Awardees of the National Leadership Grants for Museums (NLG-M) w...

IMLS Awards Over $3M in Grant Funding through Museums Empowered Program

Published August 28, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in an IMLS press release. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced a $3,327,912 investment in museums through the Museums Empowered grant program. Eighteen institutions will re...

IMLS Awards Over $23M in Grant Funding through Museums for America Program

Published August 28, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in an IMLS press release. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the FY24 recipients of its largest museum grant funding opportunity, Museums for America (MFA). One hundred a...

Commemorating Local History: Regional Grant Round for Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State Historical Marker Program Opens

Published August 8, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in a William G. Pomeroy Foundation press release.  The next regional round of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State Historic Marker Grant Program is now open. Markers funded through this progra...

Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) Announces Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli Building Project Support

Published August 8, 2024 | State History

This article originally appeared in an Onondaga Historical Association press release. Thanks to the $3 million grant secured by Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli (129th Assembly District-Syracuse, Towns of Geddes and Van Buren), Onondaga Histor...