Feb 213 min read

New Exhibit at Capitol Celebrates 100 Years of New York State Parks and Historic Sites

“100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” Now on Display in the State Street Tunnel Entrance to the State Capitol

New York State unveiled a new display to inspire visitors to explore its greatest natural and historic treasures during a milestone year. The photo exhibit showcases the Centennial of the State Park and Historic Site system along the State Street Tunnel entrance to the New York State Capitol.NYS Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy and Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid today announced the opening of the exhibit “100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” as part of a multi-faceted 2024 celebration of the state’s parks and historic sites.“New York’s historic sites open a window into understanding our state’s past,” Commissioner Moy said. “Our parks provide essential environmental and recreational benefits to all who visit them.

OGS is proud to take part in the Centennial celebration of our state’s park and historic site system by hosting this informative and visually stunning exhibit at the entrance to the Capitol.”“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our Parks & Sites along the State Street Tunnel,” Commissioner Kulleseid said. “This exhibit for our Centennial helps remind all those who work or visit Albany just what lies at every corner of our great state. From hiking to ice skating, golf to riding a carousel, a photo is truly worth 1,000 words. There is something for everyone during all four seasons and we encourage you to take a sneak peek and then come and visit in person.”Click here for exhibit.

Through images of state parks, historic sites, and the activities that take place at them during all four seasons, “100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” commemorates the 100th anniversary of the creation of the New York State Council of Parks by Governor Alfred E. Smith and the state Legislature, which forged the state park and historic site system that exists today.From Letchworth State Park in Western New York to Jones Beach State Park on Long Island, and from the Ganondagan State Historic Site just south of Rochester to the Olana State Historic Site overlooking the Hudson River, New York State’s parks and historic sites serves as an acknowledgment that public access to open spaces and recreational assets is a right, not a privilege, afforded to all.

This exhibit celebrates the expansion of the State’s system of parks and historic sites over the last 100 years and the importance of preserving this system for future generations. The exhibit will be on display throughout 2024.New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic PreservationThe 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, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. 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. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on  Facebook,  Instagram,  X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.

Empire State Plaza State Street TunnelThe State Street Tunnel is a well-traveled passageway connecting the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza. Previous State Street Tunnel exhibits include “Star Power: Historic Sightings at the New York State Capitol,” which placed a spotlight on the dignitaries, emissaries, celebrities, and political giants who have shared the stage with state and national leaders at the Capitol. The space has also been used to exhibit early 20th-century historic postcards from numerous regions of the Empire State and highlights of OGS’s historic map collection. Information on past exhibits at the Empire State Plaza and Capitol may be found here.