State Museum Launches Portal to Online Educational Resources and Activities

The New York State Museum today launched the Portal to Online Educational Resources & Activities that brings together many of the museum’s resources, including links to the popular virtual “field trips,” digital collections, online resources, and many fun activities for kids derived from the museum’s research and collections. The Portal provides opportunities for educators, caregivers, and students looking for engaging and educational activities that can be done from home.

“The New York State Museum is a wealth of resources for those looking to explore our State’s rich history and culture,” said Board of Regents Vice Chancellor T. Andrew Brown. “By expanding the resources that are available online during the COVID pandemic, we are opening the Museum up to students and families.”

“As we all continue to look for new and exciting ways to engage students in learning amidst this pandemic, these online resources provide wonderful options for educators and parents alike whether from home or in the classroom,” said Interim Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “For many students across the state, a field trip to the State Museum is a thrilling part of their school year. Thanks to these virtual field trips and learning resources, we are able to allow teachers to keep the Museum’s vast collections and resources in their lesson plans even while the Museum is closed to visitors.” 

The portal resources and activities are updated often to provide new resources and direct access to online content. Throughout the school year, educational resources for educators and caregivers including NYS Learning Standards supporting online lessons, content-created publications, and virtual activities will be added. These resources will support the work of educators, engage students in the research and collections of the New York State Museum, and connect the real-world work of scientists and historians with the NYS Learning Standards.

Portal Resources & Activities

360 Degree Virtual Field Trips

• The Rotunda Murals  - Learn more about the 36 paintings, created by Albany artist Will Hicok Low, that complement the State Education Building Rotunda’s architectural nobility and its aura of intellectual enlightenment. Museum Educator, Carly Benedict leads this tour of the beauty and meaning of these groundbreaking murals.
   
• The Replica Liberty Bell  - Gifted by President Harry Truman in 1950, the New York State’s “Liberty Bell” is an exact replica of the original Liberty Bell located in Philadelphia. Museum Educator, Anna Doren, showcases the history behind the creation of this replica and how it came to be a featured element at the New York State Education Building.
   
• Regents Room of the State Education Building  - Located inside the NYS Education Building, this elaborately decorated room is the meeting place for the Board of Regents. Join Museum Educator Ben Russell as he highlights the Regents history and the room’s design.
   
• The Rotunda at the NYSED  - Explore the NYS Education Building where Museum Educator, Carl Morrone, highlights the building's history and unique architectural elements. Designed by renowned architect and New York City native Henry Hornbostel, the Education Building was the first major building constructed in the United States solely as a headquarters for the administration of education.

Educational Resources

• Women’s Suffrage Commemoration Resources – “Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial” honors the centennial of women’s suffrage in New York State and raises awareness of the struggle for equal rights up through the present day.
   
• NYSM Women of Science Programming – This August, we are taking our popular Women of Science program online! During several virtual sessions, you will be able to learn from female scientists and staff about their area of study, collections, and career paths.
   
• Fun Activities – Videos and downloadable activities for fun at home. Families can “color the collections” with coloring sheets inspired by exhibits and artifacts from the museum’s collections or watch a video from our museum education department about topics inspired by the museum and then make a craft activity at home.
   
• Teacher Guides & Activities for Students – The New York State Museum offers educational opportunities for learners of all ages and abilities. Through online educational resources, children, families, educators, and students can experience the art, science, and history of New York State in a fun and engaging way. NYSM Teacher Guides meet New York State Learning Standards.
   
• NYSM Videos – Learn about the research and collections of the New York State Museum through videos from scientists, historians, and educators.

These resources and more can all be found in one place on the NYSM Portal to Online Educational Resources & Activities.

The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is currently closed. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website.