New York Archives Magazine

June is Pride Month, and we want to take the time to highlight LGBTQIA+ history!

Have you checked out our last year's June speaker series on "Documenting LGBTQIA+ History in New York?" 🌈

The webinar explored the importance of preserving the rich and diverse history of LGBTQIA+ communities throughout New York City.

Our speaker Hugh Ryan discusses key archival efforts, notable collections, and the challenges faced in capturing these narratives. The video offers insight into the vital work being done to ensure these stories are documented for future generations. Be sure to check that out!

In 1949 and 1950, the New York State Freedom Train, inspired by the National Freedom Train, carried 83 documents from New York’s history to cities and towns statewide. Fifty-three of these records are now available in digital format on ConsidertheSourceNY.org, giving educators, researchers, and the public direct access to materials that have shaped our lives.

All throughout the summer, we will be highlighting different documents from each case.

Dongan’s Laws were passed by the first New York Assembly in 1683. This pioneering document, known as the Charter of Liberties and Privileges, granted rights such as trial by jury, freedom of religion, and the right to a representative government. The provision relating to freedom of religion was later included in Section 38 of the New York State Constitution of 1777.

Be sure to check out the rest of the documents on ConsidertheSourceNY.org.

The Archives Partnership Trust, in partnership with the New York State Education Department, is proud to announce the launch of the Educational Resource Center for New York State History—made possible by a historic $1 million gift from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

This new Center will serve as a dynamic hub for students, educators, and researchers—expanding access to primary sources, enhancing classroom learning, and bringing New York’s rich history to life.

From classroom-ready resources like ConsiderTheSourceNY.org, to "New York Archives" magazine and "Archives Jr!", to professional development and student research opportunities, the Center will connect learners of all ages with the stories that shape our state.

We are deeply grateful to the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for their leadership and commitment to preserving and promoting New York’s history for generations to come.

Kathryn Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, said, "Historic archives are the foundation to understanding American history. Documents, letters, decrees, journals, maps, and more provide firsthand testimony by humanizing the past, anchoring our collective identity, empowering civic engagement, evaluating evidence, and giving voice to marginalized groups. The Archives Partnership Trust's excellent programs and outreach, ranging from elementary schools to scholarly research to informative offerings to the general public, all bring American history to life."

Stay tuned—more exciting programs and opportunities are on the way!

Archie the Jr! Archivist was on the move! 🦫✨

Archie and his pals from the New York State Archives and the NYS Office of Cultural Education made their way to Marist University for the New York State History Conference! 📚🎤

They loved meeting fellow history enthusiasts, sharing the importance of archives, and inspiring the next generation of curious minds. We hope you got a chance to spot Archie while you were there! 👀💛

This Juneteenth, explore the stories that shaped freedom. ✊🏾
Through "Archives Jr!," we invite young (grades 4-8) to dive into powerful chapters of African American history:
🔍 “Land of the Blacks” uncovering America's First Free Black Community
⚖️ “Equal Rights for All” the fight for justice and civil rights
⛓️ “Enslavement in New York” confronting a history often left untold
🌾 “Slavery and the Wheat Economy” how forced labor fueled industry
🚂 “New York and the Underground Railroad” stories of courage and freedom

These stories remind us: New York’s history is deeply intertwined with the struggle for liberation—and the resilience of those who fought for it.

📖 This Juneteenth, take a moment to learn, reflect, and honor the journey toward freedom.

In 1949 and 1950, the New York State Freedom Train, inspired by the National Freedom Train, carried 83 documents from New York’s history to cities and towns statewide. Fifty-three of these records are now available in digital format on ConsidertheSourceNY.org, giving educators, researchers, and the public direct access to materials that have shaped our lives.

All throughout the summer, we will be highlighting different documents from each case.

In 1734, printer John Peter Zenger was arrested for printing seditious libel in two issues of his newspaper, the "New-York Weekly" Journal. One issue asserted that New Yorkers “think, as matters now stand, that their liberties and properties are precarious, and that slavery is now likely to be entailed on them and their posterity. His arrest was recorded in the minutes of the New York Colonial Council on November 18, 1734.

Be sure to check out the rest of the documents on ConsidertheSourceNY.org.

June is Pride Month—and we’re spotlighting powerful stories preserved right here in New York. 🌈

In our Summer 2017 issue of New York Archives magazine, our “Archives Around New York” department highlights the LGBT Community Center National History Archives—a vital collection dedicated to preserving LGBTQIA+ history.

Housed on the 4th floor of the Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, the Archives holds nearly 150 manuscript collections documenting decades of activism, resilience, and community.

Founded in 1990 in response to the AIDS epidemic, this archive stands as a powerful reminder of how history is shaped—and safeguarded—by those who live it.

Be sure to subscribe to have full access to our digital magazine collection to read on or check out our Summer 2017 Highlights page for more.

In 1949 and 1950, the New York State Freedom Train, inspired by the National Freedom Train, carried 83 documents from New York’s history to cities and towns statewide. Fifty-three of these records are now available in digital format on ConsidertheSourceNY.org, giving educators, researchers, and the public direct access to materials that have shaped our lives.

All throughout the summer, we will be highlighting different documents from each case.

The freedom of religion in New York goes back to the 1600s when New York was the Dutch Colony of New Netherland. Those documents in the Freedom Train show the progression of religious freedom in New York up to the inclusion of religious liberty in New York's First State Constitution in 1777.

One policy showed the early foundations of religious liberty in New Netherland:
Frederick Jansen vs. Claes Sybrantsen Veringh — an action of debt resulting in judgment for the plaintiff.
Dutch authorities permitted English settlers to establish a community in New Netherland—with conditions:
• Swear allegiance to the Dutch government
• Practice their religion freely
• Nominate local leaders (with limited judicial authority)
• No fort-building without approval
• 10 years tax-free land, then standard dues
• Free trade, hunting, and fishing
• Use Dutch weights and measures

Even in the 1600s, religious freedom was being negotiated, defined, and protected—long before it became a cornerstone of New York’s identity.
Be sure to check out the rest of the documents on ConsidertheSourceNY.org.

In 1949 and 1950, the New York State Freedom Train, inspired by the national Freedom Train, carried 83 documents from New York’s history to cities and towns statewide. Fifty-three of these records are now available in digital format on ConsidertheSourceNY.org, giving educators, researchers, and the public direct access to materials that have shaped our lives.

Documents include the Flushing Remonstrance, a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation handwritten by President Abraham Lincoln, and an engrossed copy of the United States Constitution ratified by the New York State Convention in 1788.

Now Available! Additional educational resources, including Revolutionary War themed articles from "New York Archives" magazine, "New York Archives Jr!," the "New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide," and sample learning activities for each interpretive theme are available on ConsiderTheSourceNY.org.

Join us on TOMORROW at 12:30 PM, for an engaging conversation exploring "New Eyes on Alice Austen," the groundbreaking permanent exhibition at the Alice Austen House Museum for our final Online Speaker Series for the season. 🌈

The exhibition highlights Austen’s remarkable contributions to photography, immigration history, women’s history, and LGBTQ history. It fully embraces Austen's personal story and centers her loving 55-year relationship with Gertrude Tate.

Discover how this new lens on Austen’s story invites visitors, students, and scholars to experience her life’s work with greater honesty, context, and connection than ever before.