Research

• Full Finding Aid
• Overview
• Arrangement
• Scope and Contents
• Related Material
• Access Restrictions
• Acquisition Information
• Access Terms
• Detailed Description

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Scope and Content Note

This series consists of the subject and correspondence files of curatorial staff from the History Department, part of the Division of Research and Collections of the New York State Museum. These records document the functional activities of curators concerning exhibit development; acquisitions and collections management, including conservation issues; museum public programs and conferences; public inquiries; department research projects; and general department administration.

Types of records included are memorandums; reports; correspondence; brochures; pamphlets; event programs; news clippings; grant applications; photocopies of research materials; draft publications; and pre-press proofs. There is also a small amount of photographic material consisting of 35 mm slides and photographs relating to site visits, research projects, and potential donations. General administrative records, such as travel vouchers, personnel records and purchase order are interfiled.

Files related to programs and conferences organized by the department and for which staff maintain the official records document the New York State Museum's mandate to interpret state history. Records related to the acquisition, use, and conservation of accessioned artifacts have long-term value in documenting the Museum's collections. Legislation such as the bill to create the New York State Archives, New York's Freedom of Information Law, the 1967 Constitutional Convention, and other significant acts are also documented in this series.

These records do not represent the complete files of all the curators of the History Department, and some are represented more than others. Curators represented in this series include: Geoffrey Stein; John Scherer; Robert (Bob) Mulligan; Ian Christman; Ronald (Ron) Burch; Ruthanne Brod; Craig Williams; Peter Shaver; Duncan Hay; Lisa Seymour; William (Bill) Pillsbury; Karen Lamont; Merrilyn O'Coonnell; Michael Winey; Lili Ott; William Lassiter; John Still; John Watson; Paul Scudiere; Stefan (Steve) Bielinski; Edmund Winslow; Sheila Tucker; David Thurheimer; G. Carroll Lindsey; and James (Jim) Sefcik.

B2717-23: This accretion documents the creation of replicas of Onondaga wampum belts by the New York State Museum in 1971-1973. Types of records include news articles, correspondence, and photographs.