Research

Scope and Content Note

The bulk of the series consists of reports of the state commission and a variety of pamphlets, magazine articles, illustrations, and newspaper clippings about George Washington. The reports detail creation, membership and work of the state commission, as well as events and memorials in New York and in other states. A series of published pamphlets on George Washington's life were issued by the federal bicentennial commission, which coordinated commemorative events nationwide.

Also included in the series are scores of letters to the state commission from citizens from around New York who were born on February 22nd. The commission wanted the names and addresses of every person in the state born on Washington's birthday, and offered a "pleasant surprise" to those who responded. Neither a tabulation of the returns nor explanation of the surprise is present.