Governor Cuomo Encourages New Yorkers To Take A 'Path Through History' And Enjoy The State's World-Class Museums

ALBANY, N.Y., May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than 400 special events are planned for New York State's Path Through History Weekends and Museum Week at venues throughout the state. From June 1-2 and 8-9, Path Through History Weekends will provide a wide range of events for New Yorkers to enjoy the Empire State's rich heritage and diverse world-class attractions. Museum Week, from June 10-16, offers a chance to discover the state's world-class art collections and leading museums, ranging from glass to vintage toys.

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"Last year, we launched Path Through History to highlight the rich cultural history of New York and to boost tourism in our state," Governor Cuomo said. "This weekend is the start of the Path Through History Weekends as well as Museum Week, which will offer some of the best opportunities for families, history buffs, and students to explore over 500 historic institutions and sites in communities all across the state. I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of these events this summer."

The Path Through History program, launched last year by Governor Cuomo, brings together 500-plus heritage sites across the state, organized into 13 historic themes. The State's Path Through History website is an interactive, easy-to-use tool that will help New Yorkers and visitors to the State plan trips and explore New York State's rich history and culture. Homes of former presidents and artists, living history museums and former battlefields are among the cultural and historic sites offering discounted or free admission along with hands-on activities and special interest tours during Path Through History Weekends. Many historic districts and parks will also host festivals with live music, crafts and local foods.

Here are just a few featured highlights:

• Sackets Harbor in the Thousand Islands: Experience life in 1812 as re-enactors cook meals over the camp fire; hear the muskets roar and march alongside the men with your own wooden musket.
• Take a "Downton Abbey themed tour" in Hudson Valley.
• Schyuler Mansion Farm Day in Albany: Learn about the skills of a sheep shearer, see farm animals, learn about sustainable farming and 18^th century farming methods.
• Buffalo Central Terminal in Greater Niagara: Take a behind-the-scenes Hard Hat Tour of the renovations at this historic site.

New York State Museum Week, June 10-16

During New York State Museum Week, June 10-16, museums across the state will feature special events, exhibits, activities and promotions for Museum Week, co-sponsored by the N.Y. State Council on the Arts and Museumwise: Museum Association of New York, which provide grants and shared resources for cultural activities and museums in the state.

Museum Week features dozens of deals and discounts such as a Limited Edition Louis Armstrong House Museum Collectible (while supplies last); all visitors will receive 10% discounts at the museum's store during their visit. The Museum at Bethel Woods is offering adults $10 admission (normally $15), which includes special exhibits. In celebration of The Cloisters' 75th anniversary, your admission receipt from The Metropolitan Museum of Art includes same-week admission to The Cloisters museum and gardens. Present your receipt at The Cloisters within 7 days from date of purchase and enjoy. Museum Week also means kids (14 and under) are free at The Wild Center and The Children's Museum at Saratoga when accompanied by an adult (one child per adult; excludes school trips or youth groups.)

Special engagements during Museum Week also include The Hyde Collection's Exhibition Opening of "Modern Nature: Georgia O'Keeffe and Lake George"; June 15 - September 15. Empire State Aerosciences Museum is hosting open cockpit tours of various military aircraft from its collection, offering the rare opportunity to hop into an historic jet fighter and/or helicopter. During the Museum Mile Festival, El Museo del Barrio will host an opening reception for La Bienal 2013, El Museo's 7th biennial exhibition, featuring work by 37 emerging Latino and Latin American artists. The event features live music, performances and art-making activities for the whole family from 6-9 p.m. on June 11 and 7:30-10:30 p.m. on June 12.

About Path Through History
Path Through History highlights historically and culturally significant sites and events throughout New York State. The program, introduced by Governor 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, visit http://paththroughhistory.ny.gov/.

Each week, the I LOVE NEW YORK social media channels will highlight one theme from Path Through History, featuring photos, videos, event itineraries and more to showcase the rich history of New York State. Follow I LOVE NEW YORK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or use #LoveNYHistory to join us on the journey down New York's Path Through History.

Follow I LOVE NEW YORK on social media:
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About New York State
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York's attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it's wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.

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