New York Archives Magazine

Level up your summer reading with our latest issue of "New York Archives" magazine.

Our magazine is perfect for the poolside, beachside, or anywhere the sun finds you.

Today we highlight our featured article “Play Ball!” by Joseph Collea.
The article discusses a tiny village in the Mohawk Valley that was once a hotbed of baseball—spoiler alert: it wasn’t Cooperstown!

Dive in and discover the story.

Don't forget all our subscribers get all access to our digital collection so you can read the past and current issues of our award-winning magazine.

Today we highlight another document from the NYS Freedom Train.

On February 20, 1816, the New York City Common Council wrote to the State Legislature in support of constructing the Erie Canal. The Council believed that a canal linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, “in the midst of this rising Empire, inspires the mind with the laudable desire, that this generation may at least lay the foundation of so great a work—the completion of which, in the opinion of the Common Council, must be a bond of Union, a source of prosperity and power.”

Construction of the Erie Canal began the following year, on July 4, 1817, in Rome, New York.

Featured here is a document listing passengers on the Erie Canal from May 1828.

Be sure to check out the rest of the documents on ConsidertheSourceNY.org along with the Summer 2026 edition of "Archives Jr!" on the Freedom Train. We also have a featured article on the Freedom train in our Summer 2026 issue of "New York Archives" magazine.

☀️ The Summer 2026 issue of "New York Archives" is here!

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than diving into New York’s rich history—poolside, beachside, or wherever summer takes you?

📖 Today’s featured article: “Political Coffee” by Joseph Dwyer

Step inside a storied tavern that helped shape the earliest days of American politics. From celebratory dinners honoring Alexander Hamilton to heated partisan clashes over symbols and strategy, this gathering place was more than a backdrop—it was an active force in the rise of the nation’s first political parties.

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Today we highlight another document from the NYS Freedom Train.

On July 26, 1788, New York became the eleventh state to ratify the U.S. Constitution—by a razor-thin margin of 30 to 27. The decision came after intense debate at the Poughkeepsie Convention, where Secretary John McKesson carefully recorded the proceedings, resolutions, and votes that would shape the future of the nation. The final pages bear the signatures of Governor George Clinton and fellow delegates—marking a pivotal moment in American history.
Years later, another foundational voice reflected on the nation’s future.

In a draft of his Farewell Address (pictured below), sent to Alexander Hamilton in 1796, George Washington urged Americans to think beyond local and sectional interests, warning of the dangers of political division and foreign influence. His message? Unity matters—and independence in global affairs is essential.

These documents, preserved in New York’s historical collections, remind us that the strength of the United States has always depended on thoughtful debate, difficult decisions, and a commitment to the greater good.
Explore the records that shaped a nation.

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

All aboard for a new season of "Archives Jr!"

School may be out, but the learning continues!

Our latest issue dives into the New York State Freedom Train—bringing history to life through hands-on activities and primary sources. Discover how New York has worked throughout history to protect and expand the rights of its citizens.

FREE copies of "Archives Jr!" are available to all educators and students across New York State… yes, even during the summer!

Let’s keep learning going throughout the break.

Don't forget that we also have a new issue of "New York Archives" magazine for our adult readers eager to learn more about NYS history.

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. Sixty-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.
During the Revolutionary War, Westchester County was anything but quiet.
Known as part of the “Neutral Ground,” it became a volatile frontier—where loyalties blurred, and communities endured raids, pillaging, and relentless guerrilla warfare.
Yet even in the midst of uncertainty, conviction held strong.

On January 8, 1776, the Westchester County Committee of Safety wrote from White Plains to the New York Provincial Committee, pledging unwavering support for the cause of liberty. The letter declared that the “Friends of Liberty in this County are willing strenuously to exert themselves to reduce the Enemies to their Country.”
This powerful statement of resolve—featured as Document No. 46 on the 1949–1950 New York State Freedom Train—captures a moment when ordinary people stood firm in extraordinary times.

Explore the voices of the Revolution and the documents that carried their stories across New York State—and now, into the digital age.
Be sure to check out the rest of the documents on ConsidertheSourceNY.org.

Our latest Summer 2026 issue of "New York Archives" magazine is here!

What better way to spend your summer than to lounge by the pool and read up on New York history?

This issue has a story for everyone:
- "Train of Freedom" celebrates America's 250th with a photo essay about the NYS Freedom Train.
- "Political Coffee" highlights a storied tavern that played a role in the emergence of America's first political parties.
- "Play Ball" tells the story of a tiny village in the Mohawk Valley that was once a hotbed of baseball--spoiler alert; it was not Cooperstown!
- "William Jay" discusses a New York abolitionist who was a major influencer in the modern peace movement.

If you haven't subscribed yet, check out our links. Our subscribers get full digital access to all of our current and past magazines.

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. Sixty-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.
Ratified in 1846, New York’s third State Constitution abolished the last remnants of feudalism and oligarchical government—reshaping the state for a more modern era.
For the first time, all white men aged 21 and older could vote regardless of property ownership, expanding political participation and building on earlier reforms. Just as significantly, delegates to the 1846 Constitutional Convention were elected directly by the people—New Yorkers choosing representatives for New Yorkers.

The Constitution also restructured the state's judiciary, eliminating the Court of Chancery, and became a model for other states, including Wisconsin and several across the Midwest.

Yet, this progress came with limits. A proposed amendment to grant equal suffrage to African American men was put to a separate vote—and rejected.
Preserved in records like the New York State Freedom Train (1949–1950), this document reflects both the strides made, and the work still left unfinished in the ongoing pursuit of equality.

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

Last month in June, we were also pleased to welcome interns from the New York State Office of the Inspector General to the New York State Archives!

During their visit, interns toured the Archives, learned about the essential role of records management and preservation, and explored how historical records support transparency, accountability, and government operations. The experience offered a unique look at how the past informs present-day public service.

Thank you to the Office of the Inspector General interns for visiting—we’re glad to support the next generation of public servants!

Did you know that Inspector General Lucy Lang joined us for our December 2025 Online Speaker Series?

To learn more about the important work of the Office of Inspector General, be sure to watch her talk—along with our session, “Inspectors General & the American Democratic Tradition.” Both videos offer valuable insight into accountability and transparency in government.

All aboard the New York State Freedom Train 🚆📜

In 1949 and 1950, this remarkable traveling exhibit—modeled after the National Freedom Train—brought 83 powerful documents from New York’s past directly to communities across the state. From small towns to major cities, New Yorkers stepped aboard to connect with the records that shaped our shared history.

Today, that legacy continues.
Sixty-three of those historic documents are now digitized and available on ConsiderTheSourceNY.org—opening the doors for educators, students, researchers, and curious minds everywhere to explore them firsthand.

Be sure to check out our video featuring New York State Regent Wade S. Norwood, who recalls visiting the National Bicentennial Freedom Train as a child in Rochester in 1975—and the awe of seeing history come to life before his eyes. Now, a new generation can experience that same sense of discovery anytime, anywhere.

Step into the past. Explore the stories that shaped our present.
Be sure to check out the rest of the documents on ConsidertheSourceNY.org.

Don't forget that our Summer 2026 issues of "New York Archives" magazine and "Archives Jr!" feature the Freedom Train as well. Subscribers get full access!