New York State celebrates Women’s History Month (March), Black History Month (February), and Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) every year. However, many New Yorkers may not be aware that October is actually designated as New York State History Month according to state law (source). The purpose of this month, as stated in the law, is to honor the history of New York state and acknowledge the contributions of state and local historians.
Despite this official designation, New York State History Month often goes unnoticed by the state’s authorities. There is no proclamation from the governor, no resolution passed by the Legislature, and little coverage from editorial writers. This reflects New York’s tendency to overlook or downplay its own history, perhaps because New Yorkers have always been too busy making history to take the time to study it.
However, there are several compelling reasons why we should give more attention to New York State History Month and commemorate it:
History is our common heritage. New York’s present is shaped by its past. The history of our state is something that all New Yorkers share, and studying it can help us foster a sense of identity and unity in a time when we often feel divided along political and cultural lines. History reveals both the achievements and shortcomings of New York over the years.
History is a source of wisdom and guidance. The saying “History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes” holds true. Many of the issues we face today, such as government regulation, individual rights, immigration, the environment, political corruption, and issues related to race and gender, have been subjects of debate throughout New York’s history. By studying the origins, precedents, and parallels of these issues, we can gain insights on how to shape a better future.
- For instance, a recent court ruling declared New York’s new ethics law unconstitutional. This should not come as a surprise, as ethics reform initiatives have been underway since Gov. Charles Evans Hughes proposed them in 1907. Each governor since then has introduced their own ethical guidelines, rules, or commissions, but they often become ineffective due to public indifference, political influence over ethics boards, evolving forms of corruption, or court decisions.
- New York is currently grappling with the challenges posed by a large influx of immigrants. However, the state has a long history of being a gateway for immigrants, with over a million people passing through Ellis Island in 1907 alone. Examining how New York dealt with this influx in the past can provide valuable insights on how to address the present crisis.
- There are widespread calls for social justice and economic reform from various quarters. New York has always been at the forefront of these movements, including women’s rights (dating back to the Seneca Falls women’s rights convention in 1848), civil rights (the state’s first civil rights law was enacted in 1873), and environmental protection (stemming from Gov. Theodore Roosevelt’s 1899 executive order to combat pollution in Saratoga County’s Kayaderosseras Creek).
History is an educational resource. Unfortunately, New York history receives limited attention in our schools. Students often graduate with little knowledge of their own state’s history. New York State History Month presents an opportunity to address this gap. The law authorizes the commissioner of education, through the office of state history, to undertake projects that recognize and promote New York state history. This could include initiatives like an essay contest for elementary or secondary education students, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of New York state history. Such initiatives would help broaden the coverage of state and local history in our schools and enable students to connect with history in a more direct and engaging way.
History inspires us. State history can be both educational and entertaining. The best history books and museums make use of local resources, context, and personal narratives to bring stories and events to life, despite the passage of time.
From Sackets Harbor to Cooperstown, the Capitol to Harriet Tubman’s house, the Erie Canal to the Stonewall Inn, New York is filled with historical sites and landmarks. October is an opportune time to engage with and explore the rich history that surrounds us.
Bruce W. Dearstyne, a historian from Guilderland, is the author of “The Crucible of Public Policy: New York Courts in the Progressive Era.”
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