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

Telling Women's Stories: A Toolkit for Historic Sites and Museums

Published December 1, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites website. This Toolkit has been created by the NCWHS Research and Interpretation Committee to assist sites as they expand and integrate their efforts to tel...

Long Island Semiquincentennial Commission Announces Logo Contest to Commemorate 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution

Published November 30, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a Suffolk County Executive Press Office press release. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Long Island 250 Bi-County Commission announced today the launch of...

OPRHP Announces New Grant Program to Support Maritime Heritage Education and Preservation Projects in New York State

Published November 20, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation press release. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has announced almost $400,000 in federal grant a...

Fort Ticonderoga Launches NEW Interactive Online Resource for Educators!

Published November 17, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a Fort Ticonderoga newsletter. Fort Ticonderoga has officially launched a new interactive online resource for educators! Teachers across the globe can quickly browse through modules including lesson plans, cl...

Another piece of history: Larry Barnes to resign after 16 years as city historian

Published November 17, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on The Batavian website. Larry Barnes — the go-to guru of all things related to the City of Batavia's history for the last 16 years — will be resigning his post effective Dec. 31, he says. Barnes met with Cit...

120-Year-Old Portraits Return to the Walls of the Wyoming County Courthouse

Published November 15, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a Wyoming County Historian's Office press release. For many years, five massive oil paintings of past judges hung from the walls of the Wyoming County courthouse. The portraits, in ornate frames and measuring...

Revolutionizing the Narratives at General Schuyler’s Estate, Saratoga National Historical Park Postdoctoral Fellowship

Published November 14, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the American Conservation Experience website. The National Park Service (NPS) Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship Program places recent humanities PhDs with NPS sites and programs across the agency.&nbs...

MANY 2024 Conference Scholarships

Published November 9, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared on the MANY website. MANY is pleased to announce 27 scholarship opportunities for museum professionals to attend "Giving Voice to Value" Annual Conference in Albany, NY.&nb...

Survey- AASLH 250th Programming Handbook

Published November 6, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in an AASLH newsletter. To assist the history field in preparing for the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026, AASLH is creating a programming handbook to inspire history organizations of all types, sizes, and lo...

New York State Museums Compensation Survey

Published November 6, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a Museum Association of New York press release. The Museum Association of New York is partnering with the Erie Canal Museum, CNY Arts, and the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance of Central New York to coll...

CCHS seeks submissions for upcoming “Journal” publication

Published November 6, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a CCHS press release. NORWICH, N.Y. – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) is currently accepting submissions for the 2024 issue of the Journal of the Chenango County Historical Society. While all st...

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biographer and Historian Jon Meacham Recognized as 2023 Empire State Archives and History Award Laureate

Published November 2, 2023 | State History

This article originally appeared in a New York State Education Department press release. Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and historian Jon Meacham will be honored as the 2023 Empire State Archives and History Award Laureate, the New...

Research & Collections