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

DHPSNY Planning and Assessment Grants

Published May 30, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a DHPSNY newsletter. Applications are open for DHPSNY Planning & Assessment Services, and the next submission deadline is Friday, July 7, 2023. Conducted in-person or virtually, e...

“Fridays in the Garden” Return to Brookside Museum

Published May 30, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Saratoga County History Center website. This summer, the Saratoga County History Center is delighted to present the return of the popular series, “Fridays in the Garden”.  The programs are to be held...

NYSM Bioarchaeology Staff Study Remains of Revolutionary War Soldiers

Published May 11, 2023 | Bioarchaeology

In 2019, bones dating back to the late 18th century were uncovered at a Lake George Village construction site. For the past four years, NYSM bioarchaeology staff Lisa Anderson, Julie Weatherwax, and Alexandra DeCarlo have been working together wit...

NYS Museum piecing together remains of revolutionary war soldiers recovered in Lake George

Published May 11, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the CBS 6 Albany website. Bones dating back to the late 18th century found at a Lake George Village construction site in 2019 are in the process of being studied at the New York State Museum with eventual pla...

Hart Cluett Museum Announces New Executive Director

Published May 11, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Hart Cluett Museum website.  When Kathy Sheehan was 10 years old and went downtown for a piano lesson, she would make her away to the Hart Cluett House to soak in the 19th-century atmosphere of the h...

The Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site & National Historic Landmark: 2023 Opening Information

Published May 9, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Grant Cottage website.  Site opens Friday, May 26th - Hike into History! Memorial Day weekend : Friday - Monday Open on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day June 1 - late June : Thursday-Sunday...

Announcing "NYC Revolutionary Trail"

Published May 8, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on The Gotham Center for New York City History website. The Gotham Center is proud to announce the launch of NYC Revolutionary Trail, its first multimedia walking tour. This 90-minute jaunt through lower Manhatt...

Grant Awards to Support NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure, Amenities, and Events

Published May 8, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a NYS Canal Corporation press release. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation are pleased to announce that 42 not-for-profit organizations and municipalities wil...

Museum Association of New York awarded $499,988 from the National Endowment for the Humanities and $120,000 from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to Support a State-Wide Humanities Discussion Program Series

Published May 2, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the MANY website. The Museum Association of New York (MANY) is pleased to announce a new initiative to help museums in New York State amplify the role that our state and people have played in the development ...

National Park Service Underrepresented Communities Grants

Published April 26, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the National Park Service website.  The National Park Service’s Underrepresented Communities Grant Program (URC) works towards diversifying the nominations submitted to the National Register of...

Women in War Symposium

Published April 26, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Saratoga County 250th Commission website.  Tickets are still available for the America’s Turning Point 2nd Annual Women in War Symposium being held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9AM to 3PM at the To...

Unfinished Revolutions: Museums & America’s 250th (with Madeleine Rosenberg)

Published April 26, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the We The Museum website. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is almost here. How can museums and history organizations use the Semiquincentennial to promote a fuller story of American h...

Reframing an Empire: Thomas Cole

Published April 26, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the WMHT website. Thomas Cole's life and work coincide with a pivotal period in American History. Before Cole's eyes and on his canvas, the newly formed nation would find a vision of its identity born and its...

The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Clinton County and generous donors help CCHA replace deteriorating windows

Published April 19, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the Clinton County Historical Association & Museum's website. In late 2019 it became obvious that the windows in the old Band Building at 98 Ohio Avenue, the home of the Clinton County Historical Associat...