New York State Archives |

It's Back to School Time!

We support teachers in using historical documents in the classroom! From our Education page browse hundreds of learning activities developed by teachers, watch videos with tips for teaching with historical records & learn about grant opportunities.
How do governments protect the rights of citizens?

The primary source set 19th Century African American Voting Rights uses acts from NYS law along with an extract from the 2nd state constitution to help students answer that question.
Teaching with Written Documents

Teaching with historical documents is not always easy. In this video, Dr. Kristi Fragnoli, Professor at The College of St. Rose, demonstrates creative ways to use written documents in the classroom.
Global History and Geography

Customizable worksheets are available that help demonstrate how practices, meanings, and perceptions change over time, and those of only a few generations ago may reflect biases and assumptions no longer accepted.
Teaching with Photographs

Old photographs are fascinating, but it can be a challenge to interpet them outside of their historical context. The video Teaching with Photographs demonstrates creative ways to use photographs in the classroom.
How does immigrant culture influence a community?

The Electronic Schoolhouse/La Escuela Electronica project examines the Latino experience in New York through photographs, letters, broadsides, flyers, and more dating from 1861 to the present.
What is an Archive?

Pedro Juan Hernández from the Center for Puerto Rican Studies describes the purpose of an archive and how researchers may access archival materials. This video was created for the Electronic Schoolhouse and is available in English or Spanish.
Encouraging Exploration!

The State Archives announces its 30th annual Student Research Awards program. The main purpose of the awards program is to encourage students to explore the wealth of historical records held in repositories in New York State.
What's next?

We are raising funds to expand our nationally recognized Consider the Source resource guide that aids teachers in incorporating historical documents from a variety of sources into learning activities for students of all abilities. Learn more about it on the Archives Partnership Trust website!