Albany, NY (November 4, 2015) – On Monday, November 2, 2015, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo introduced the new Path Through History website in celebration of New York State History Month. The new website features streamlined visuals and user-friendly navigation to help travelers map visits to sites across the state using 13 unique themes that explore New York’s rich cultural and natural history.
“Through The Path Through History, we are giving New Yorkers and visitors the opportunity to take a journey back in time and discover the sites and people who helped shape our state and our nation,” Governor Cuomo said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to celebrate New York State History month by taking advantage of this new website and planning a trip to learn more about our vibrant past.”
The themes are: Arts & Culture, Canals, Civil Rights, Colonial History, Immigration, Innovation, Native Americans, Natural History, Revolutionary War, Sports History, U.S. Presidents, War of 1812, and Women’s Rights. Other enhancements to the website include improved searchability with the option to search by theme, attraction, region or event, maps to easily view pinpointed Path Through History locations, foreign language translation, and a trip planning tool that allows users to create and save their own itineraries under the “My Trip” tab. Images of the website’s new design can be viewed here, here and here.
The Path Through History program features a number of experiences that await users, including living history museums, forts and military landmarks, and historic homes of artists, writers, six past U.S. Presidents, and the history of women’s rights. The program also includes the celebratory Path Through History Weekend, which had a 60 percent increase of events in 2015. The 2016 Path Through History Weekend will take place June 18 and 19.
Governor Cuomo initiated the Path Through History program in August 2012 to create a streamlined location for users to explore historically and culturally significant landmarks, destinations, and events throughout New York State. More than 3,200 signs along the New York State Thruway and a number of kiosks located at rest areas provide travelers an opportunity to review information about the program. Investments in heritage travel tourism in New York State resulted in a $5 billion economic impact in 2013.
“Visitors to the Path Through History website can select a destination and explore New York’s 13 heritage themes,” said ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “This new site encourages travelers to visit their favorite historic landmark or explore a destination they’ve never been to before and create their own chapter of history during New York State’s History Month.”
“November is New York State History Month,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “Across the state, New Yorkers of all ages can learn about the Empire State’s history at museums, libraries and cultural institutions. The Board of Regents and I invite everyone – students, teachers, families – to attend a history program in their community and learn more about our state’s extraordinary history.”
“New York State History Month is an opportunity for New Yorkers to celebrate our state’s extraordinary history,” said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. “The Path through History website is a great resource the public can use to explore the Empire State’s history during New York State History Month. In addition, The Board of Regents and the State Museum, along with thousands of cultural institutions across the state, are pleased to offer a variety of history programs for the community throughout November.”
New York’s rich cultural history was featured this year in the I LOVE NEW YORK promotion with Whoopi Goldberg. View the commercial here.
In recognition of New York State History Month, the Division of Tourism/I LOVE NEW YORK is hosting a social media campaign for the month of November. Every day, I LOVE NEW YORK’s social media will post a historical fact using the hashtag #NYSHistoryMonth. View the campaign here and here and follow I LOVE NEW YORK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information about New York State history sites, events or themes, visit: www.iloveny.com/paththroughhistory.
About Path Through History
Path Through History highlights historically and culturally significant sites and events throughout New York State. The program, introduced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, builds on New York’s already robust heritage tourism attractions. The initiative is currently focused on 13 themes including: Arts & Culture, Natural History, U.S. Presidents, Women’s Rights, Canals & Transportation, Civil Rights, Colonial History, Immigration, Innovation & Commerce, The Revolutionary War, Native American Heritage, Sports History and the War of 1812. Important heritage sites and events across the state were selected with input from leading historians. For more information, visithttp://www.paththroughhistory.ny.gov.
