Description

Recently, the New York State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education had the opportunity to have a presence at the 2026 State of the State! Staff from the New York State Archives, New York State Library, and New York State Museum shared collection items, current programming, and upcoming events related to the 250th. This history — and the commemoration efforts — belongs to all New Yorkers! Staff from the New York State Library decided to capture on-the-spot submissions from event attendees for this Personal History Initiative collection. We asked "What do you love most about New York State?" -- and, via sticky notes!, you told! Here are the results from this crowd-sourced activity: I love that NYS has played a significant role in 250 years of fighting for the rights of all. Inclusivity and the grit of our people. The history of acceptance, exchange, adoption, and ultimately creation of new ways of living. Not just for a few, but for everyone. Community shows up for one another when we need support. From donations to mutual aid to rapid response. We take care of each other. NY’s commitment to children and families. Thank you for caring about people. My favorite thing about New York is how resilient we are. New Yorkers can make it through ANYTHING. Our diversity. It’s beautifully diverse immigrant population. EBRT support for biomedical research funding. UAW! Unions. There's an adventure every day. The ability to travel. The variety. So many different geographic features! Ocean, mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys! Mountains, the people, vacation spots. Secret swimming holes. Golf courses. Lakes, architecture, parks, museums, food. The only state with 524 miles of canal! Locks, canals, parks! Forever wild forest preserves. Museums, libraries, public broadcasting. Libraries (and bagels). LIBRARIES :) Our AMAZING library systems. New York’s wonderful libraries! We have it all. What would you add to this list? Take a deep dive and contribute your thoughts. Or, use this model for an activity in your own community.

Type of Resource

Photograph

Personal story shared by Jacqueline Stapleton

Date Created

2026-01-13

Submitted By

Jacqueline Stapleton

Rights and Use