The Beat

Historic Waterway Connecting Hudson River to Lake Champlain Opened in 1823

Locks between Waterford and Whitehall Support the Region’s Economy; Aggregate Stone is Actively Shipped Through Locks to New York City for Construction Projects

Canal is Also a Top Destination for Recreational Boating and Tourism

Commemorative Plaque Unveiled Today at Visitors Center in Schuylerville

Video Available Here and Photos Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the bicentennial of the Champlain Canal was commemorated during a ceremony at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center in Schuylerville. As part of the 524-mile New York State Canal system, the 60-mile Champlain Canal that connects the Hudson River to Lake Champlain first opened in 1823, two years earlier than the completion of the Erie Canal. New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll and New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton presented Historic Hudson Hoosic Rivers Partnership Chairman Tom Richardson with a commemorative plaque that will be displayed at the Visitors Center to mark the occasion. …

OPRHP Commissioner Embarks on Statewide Tour to Highlight the Diversity of Activities Throughout Parks and Historic Sites System 

New Centennial Website Will Provide Celebration Updates 

Watch New York State Park Centennial Video Here 

Governor Kathy Hochul today previewed a year-long celebration of the centennial anniversary of the founding of New York’s statewide park and historic site system to take place in 2024. The celebration will both highlight and build upon one of New York State’s greatest environmental legacies. In 1924, Governor Alfred E. Smith and the State Legislature created the New York State Council of Parks while voters approved a $15 million bond act to build and enlarge a network of State parks, forging the New York State park and historic site system that New York State residents and visitors know and cherish today.

In Partnership with Universal Hip Hop Museum

Honoring 50 years of Hip Hop with DJ Spinderella and Tributes to Legendary Missy Elliot and more

New York, NY (August 1, 2023) - New York City's iconic sightseeing boat tour, Circle Line, is proud to announce a momentous event – The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Dance Cruise, taking place on August 10^th at 7:30PM as part of Circle Line's Summer Dance Series.

Unveils Statewide Roster of Events, Concerts, and Exhibitions Hosted in Partnership with New York State to Commemorate Hip Hop's Birth in the Bronx

Launches "Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium" Ticket Sweepstakes; New Yorkers Can Enter for a Chance to Win a VIP Experience for Two Here

I LOVE NY Launches Website and Digital Marketing Campaign Promoting Hip Hop Programming and Landmarks

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the I LOVE NY Summer of Hip Hop, a statewide commemoration of the genre's 50th anniversary on August 11, 2023. Hosted in partnership with renowned cultural organizations including Lincoln Center and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, the I LOVE NY Summer of Hip Hop will feature a line-up of concerts, exhibitions, performances, and other family-friendly programming across the State.

To Celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

Series opens weekend of July 28 & 29 with New Jack City and Belly and continues through November 3, 2023

Astoria, NY (July 7, 2023) — To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) will present the screening series Real Rap: Hip-Hop Star Power on Screen July 28–November 3. The films in the series represent the history of hip-hop on the big screen and feature performers who have uniquely influenced both film and music. This series will also include special guests, discussions, a spoken word showcase, and a summer dance party.

Iconic Hudson Valley Suspension Bridge Will Celebrate 100 Years in 2024

Time Capsule Dedicated to Celebrate Construction Starting in 1923

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the kickoff of celebrations surrounding the upcoming centennial of the Bear Mountain Bridge in 2024. Between now and fall 2024, several events and initiatives are underway to celebrate one of the Hudson Valley's most recognizable structures, including a centennial website, a documentary film and an international bridge engineering conference. Various leaders and community members joined the New York State Bridge Authority at the bridge today to make the announcement. Participants also dedicated a time capsule to mark 100 years since construction of the bridge began. 

New York's Flagship Eat Local, Drink Local Program Has Delivered Over $100 Million in Economic Impacts

Open House at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center Highlights New York State Farmers and Agricultural Producers and Regional Tourism Offerings

Series of Celebrations Planned at Taste NY Markets Across the State in 2023

Governor Kathy Hochul today kicked off the State's 10-year anniversary celebrations for Taste NY, New York's official 'eat local, drink local' program, at a special open house at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center in Geneva. The event showcased the diversity and uniqueness of New York State's farmers and food and beverage producers, as well as regional tourism destinations. Today's celebration marked the first in a series of events that are planned across the state in recognition of the 2023 10-year milestone and the program's success, which has brought over $100 million in economic impact to New York State producers.

Lockport, NY – The Niagara Wine Trail is happy to announce the celebration of its 20^th Anniversary, as of May 2022. This year-long celebration will feature many new and returning events, refreshed branding, a new Niagara Falls icon-inspired logo, as well as a new tag line reminding guests of the very “Intimate, Authentic and Charming” experience they will enjoy along the 14-member trail.

In this anniversary year, the Niagara Wine Trail has also adopted new mission and vision statements. “The members of the Niagara Wine Trail, NY’s mission is to work together to enhance our unique wine region through an array of intimate, authentic and charming guest experiences.” Its vision is “to promote and host engaging experiences that entice guests to become repeat visitors to our member wineries.”…

Mumford, N.Y. (April 14, 2021) — When Genesee Country Village & Museum opens its doors on Saturday, May 8, it will mark the 45^th season of connecting visitors with history, art, and nature through immersive experiences that connect life in the 1800s to today’s world. Many guests don’t realize that the 68 historic buildings that comprise the picturesque Historic Village were all painstakingly moved there from locations around Western New York, in an effort begun in 1966 by Museum founder Jack Wehle. As a history-lover and conservationist, Mr. Wehle saw an opportunity to preserve examples of local architecture while also creating a place to tell the story of New York’s history. Today, GCV&M encompasses 600 acres with the Historic Village, a Nature Center, and an art gallery, all dedicated to preserving and highlighting local history for future generations.

Granville, N.Y. – After several months of closure following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the Slate Valley Museum is ready to re-open its doors. On Friday, September 25, the Museum will begin welcoming guests for scheduled visits.

“The Museum opened 25 years ago this month, and we are excited to re-open and begin our anniversary year by welcoming people back to visit us,” shared Interim Director Sarah Kijowski, “We’ve reviewed guidelines and recommendations, and we’ve looked toward other museums of our size to see how they are handling visits and programs. We really wanted to take our time, learn from our peers, and open in the safest way possible for our visitors and our staff.”…