Mar 17, 2025
Displays Planned for 20 State Historic Sites for 250th Anniversary of American Revolution in 2026
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Office of General Services today announced that two interactive video kiosks highlighting New York’s rich history in the American Revolution have been installed at the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza to commemorate the conflict’s 250th anniversary.
State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “New Yorkers played a leading role in shaping our nation’s history. These kiosks serve as an inspiration, encouraging people to explore the American Revolution and discover the many remarkable sites across our state where it all began. I am grateful to our partners at the Office of General Services for bringing tremendous public exposure to these innovative displays.”
NYS Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “These new kiosks are a welcome addition to our historic Capitol and Empire State Plaza where visitors from all over our state, country, and the world come to learn about all aspects of New York’s culture and history. With these kiosks, visitors will be educated about New York's prominent role in the American Revolution. We look forward to continuing our work with State Parks and all our partners on the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission as we prepare to observe the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026.”
The new kiosks help tell the story of the American Revolution through the lens of Parks’ “Our Whole History” initiative, presenting differing viewpoints and diverse stories to relate a more accurate and inclusive narrative. The featured 37 short videos introduce users to NYS historic sites and other locations in the state that are linked to the American Revolution and 1,000 items in digital form such as photographs of artifacts, maps, and brief articles.
The Capitol kiosks will be located at the base of the New York State Senate staircase and on the Empire State Concourse near the Visitor’s Center.
Other kiosks are being installed at state parks and historic sites with a connection to the American Revolution, including:
- Senate House State Historic Site, Kingston, Ulster County
- Stony Point State Historic Site, Stony Point, Rockland County
- New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor, Orange County
- Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, Orange County
- Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, Columbia County
- Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany, Albany County
- Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers, Westchester County
- Crown Point State Historic Site, Crown Point, Essex County
- Herkimer Home State Historic Site, Little Falls, Herkimer County
- Johnson Hall State Historic Site, Johnstown, Fulton County
- Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Oriskany, Oneida County
- Steuben Cabin State Historic Site, Remsen, Oneida County
- Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Oswego, Oswego County
- Fort Niagara State Historic Site, Youngstown, Niagara County
- Newtown Battlefield State Park, Elmira, Chemung County
- Ganondagan State Historic Site, Victor, Ontario County
- Peebles Island State Park, Waterford, Saratoga County
The kiosks support the state’s 250th Commemoration Commission to recognize the anniversary of the American Revolution. The commission is coordinating development of a multifaceted commemoration to support heritage organizations in planning programming and exhibits, coordinate state learning standards; encourage and promote heritage tourism; advance scholarship surrounding the history and values of the American Revolution; and ignite public interest in the history of New York State and the United States. For more information, visit https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Lin