Press

Media Contact:
Jaclyn Keegan
(518) 474-1201
Press@nysed.gov (link sends e-mail)
www.nysed.gov

Guests Will Benefit from Kid-Friendly Panels and Hands-On Activities

The Free Event Takes Place on March 22, 2025

Explore the fascinating world of science through the insights of women who are making an impact with groundbreaking discoveries and research every day at the State Museum! The New York State Museum, in partnership with the New York State Archives and Library, is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Women of Science event, to be held March 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This captivating program highlights the incredible contributions of female scientists across a wide array of disciplines. Families and science enthusiasts of all ages are invited to engage in a series of hands-on activities and interactive displays created by pioneering researchers from the Museum’s Division of Research and Collections, as well as other local scientists who are behind revolutionary breakthroughs and innovations. This marks the first time the event is being held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kathryn Weller, Director of Education and Visitor Services said, “We’re beyond excited to bring back the Women of Science program this year. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Women’s History Month – showcasing the brilliant women who are not only breaking barriers but also leading transformative projects. Expect a day packed with inspiring insights that will leave families in awe of the power of science!” 

In addition to the hands-on activities, young learners will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to experts during the “Ask a Scientist” panel, which is designed to spark curiosity and inspiration. 

Short science discussions will also be held throughout the day where guests can hear directly from some of the state’s most distinguished experts, including: 

• Dr. Daria Merwin, Co-Director of the New York State Museum’s Cultural Resource Survey Program  
• Dr. Chelsea Teale, Associate Director of the New Netherland Research Center 
• Dr. Patricia Kaishian, New York State Museum Curator of Mycology  
• Amanda Dillon, Forest Health Research Lab Manager for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bureau of Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health 
• Cheri Schneider, New York State Archives Conservation Specialist 

This event promises to be a day full of inspiration, exploration, and discovery. Whether you’re a budding scientist or simply curious about the world around you, there’s something for everyone at this exciting event! 

For more information, please visit the New York State Museum’s website. 

About the Cultural Education Center

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website and subscribe to our newsletter (link is external). 

The New York State Library, established in 1818, is the largest state library system in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide. Collections are made available onsite and through a robust interlibrary loan program. The Library’s mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the Research Library, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the Talking Book and Braille Library, and the Division of Library Development. The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. Additionally, the State Library is the official repository of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations. For more information, please visit the New York State Library website and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.  

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York’s State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York’s history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.  

The Archives Partnership Trust (link is external) was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program (link is external), history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more.

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.    

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