Teaching New York History: Sources for Teachers
Bruce W. Dearstyne
The New York state social studies/history framework includes the teaching of local and New York history at the Grade 4 level and New York and U.S. history in Grades 7/8. U.S. history is the topic for Grade 11 but, given New York’s historical importance over time, some of the topics such as immigration and reform movements that started in New York but spread nationally, could also be taught with a New York dimension.
New York teachers are often looking for sources for these classes. This article provides some suggestions.
Books. There are many books on New York history and more coming out all the time. The blog New York Almanack carries notices of new books. Books covering all of the state’s history include Bruce W. Dearstyne, The Spirit of New York: Defining Events in the Empire State’s History, David M. Ellis, New York: City and State, David M. Ellis et al, A History of New York State , Milton M. Klein, ed., The Empire State: A History of New York and Joanne Reitano, A History of New York State. Two encyclopedias are useful for concise information on many topics: Peter Eisenstadt, ed. Encyclopedia of New York State and Kenneth T. Jackson et al, eds., The Encyclopedia of New York City. Beyond that, there are hundreds of books on local history, and more are being published all the time. Your school or local public library should have many of these, and they are also available for purchase. Many libraries have local history sections which may include local history books and other sources and are useful venues for student research projects and field trips.
Articles. Articles by historians in journals are often very useful for teachers seeking information and for assignment for student readings. This journal, Teaching Social Studies, is the best source for writing in the field. The journal New York History and The Hudson River Valley Review provide a statewide focus. New York Archives published by the State Archives Partnership Trust, carries many articles from around the state. The Trust recently initiated New York Archives Jr. Each issue features one article from New York Archives magazine rewritten at an upper elementary level, community connections, related facts, and learning activities focused on primary source analysis. Regional journals such as Rochester History and journals published by county historical societies feature articles of local interest which may be of particular interest to students since the articles cover “nearby history.”
The Office of State History. The Office of State History in the State Museum has a great deal of information on New York history on its website, online podcasts including “A Minute in New York State History”, and Empire State Engagements, interviews with authors of new books.
Officially designated local government historians. New York is the only state with a law authorizing local governments to appoint official historians. Many counties, cities, towns and villages have made these appointments; some have not. Historians’ work varies depending on their priorities and support, but in many communities, they are invaluable resources and welcome opportunities to work with teachers. You can find your community’s historian on the website of the Association of Public Historians of New York State.
Local history museums and historical societies. There are hundreds of these, located in all areas of the state. Many hold sources that students could use for research, welcome visits by school groups, and seek other opportunities to work with the schools. There is no central directory but many are listed on Wikipedia or on the website of the Museum Association of New York. You can follow their work, and developments in state history generally, through the website of the Office of State History in the State Museum and the blog New York Almanack.
Some history programs are of particular importance because of their scope, the variety of their programs, their programs for student visits, and, increasingly, their online presentations. These include, among others the Buffalo History Museum, Empire State Aerosciences Museum (Glenville), Eastman Museum of Photography (Rochester), Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse), Farmers’ Museum (Cooperstown), Genesee Country Village and Museum (Mumford), New-York Historical Society, Museum and Library and the New York State Museum (Albany) which features history exbibits, public events, and online presentations.
State historic sites. The state office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains state historic sites and buildings in all areas of the state. They welcome school groups and some may be willing to send a speaker to the schools.
Consider the Source: Teaching With Historical Records, an online resource available at the State Archives, features document-based teaching activities. The Archives also gives Student Research Awards for outstanding student research using historical records.
New York State History Day, part of “National History Day,” is a forum for students to compete for awards in several categories, including research papers, exhibits, documentaries, and performances.
The Historians’ Podcast features interviews and discussions with experts on New York state and local history.
Historical Society of the New York Courts is an excellent source for New York’s legal and constitutional history. Its online journal Judicial Notice features articles on important cases.
The State Archives Partnership Trust features online podcasts and videos on historical topics.
*New York State History Month (October). October is designated in law as New York State History Month. This is a time to celebrate the state’s history and historians. It would be an opportune time for attention to particular New York-related topics in schools.
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