New York State Archives |

Sojourner Truth’s historic court case

Within 5000 boxes of historical court records, the Archives uncovered 1828 documents detailing how Sojourner Truth used the legal system to get her son released from slavery. View the case in our Digital Collections or build a learning activity in Consider the Source.
Welcome to the New York State Archives!

"Whether you are a creator of records, a researcher or a community member who needs assistance with the materials that document your community, our programs are intended to serve you and the future generations of New Yorkers." ~Thomas J. Ruller, NYS Archivist.
Scheduling and State Agency Services

Scheduling and State Agency Services (SSAS) develops records retention and disposition schedules for state agencies and local governments that authorize disposition of records. We also provide records management advice, assistance, and training to state agencies.
State Records Center

The State Records Center, operated by the New York State Archives, provides efficient, low-cost storage and retrieval for New York State agencies’ inactive records.
Local Government Services

The State Archives provides records management advice, assistance, and training to local governments throughout New York State as they manage their records, document their actions within their communities, and protect their history for future generations.
Access to Records

Access Services coordinates transfers of records from state agencies and makes information about records available to the public through online finding aids, catalog records, digital collections, pathfinders, guides, and name indexes.
Researcher Services

Researcher Services provides access to archival records of New York State government -- executive, legislative, and judicial branches. We assist researchers in identifying records for their research and provide copies for researchers who are not able to visit our public research room.
Education

New York State Archives education resources can now be reached directly at considerthesourceny.org. This new interactive website contains all the original New York State Archives primary sources and learning activities along with new educational materials.
Grants for Local Governments

The Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund competitive grant program awards funds to local governments to assist them in managing their records. Since 1990, the fund has awarded over $200 million to 2,392 local governments.
Preservation

The Documentary Heritage Program provides training, assessment services and grant funding to support the keepers of New York’s historical records, and to ensure that New Yorkers have access to an equitable and just historical record.
Wastepaper Contract

State agencies and local governments can use State Contract X013319 for secure and environmentally acceptable disposal and recycling of bulk quantities of obsolete paper records.