Topics to Document in New York State History
The framework of eighteen broad topics in New York’s history summarized here is designed to support efforts to build a comprehensive, balanced, and equitable documentary record of New York’s history and culture.
The complete, annotated version, which includes an introduction and more complete explanatory paragraphs and subtopics for each of the main headings below, is available as in print and electronic formats (see Documentation Resources.)
Agriculture The production, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities.
Arts, architecture, and culture The production, presentation, promotion, and sponsorship of visual and graphic arts and design, performing arts (music, dance, theater, performance art), literature, film and media arts (including folk and community-based arts, popular arts, and entertainment), and fine arts. Architecture and the built environment, landscape architecture; architectural scholarship and training. The documents and artifacts that record history and culture. Cultural expressions of everyday life including folklore, language, food, fashion, and family and community events such as festivals and celebrations.
Business, commerce, industry, and manufacturing The production of goods and services for commercial use, buying and selling goods and services for a profit, and lobbying for, assisting, or promoting business concerns.
Communications Any means of transmitting information or entertainment. Newspapers and other print media, television and radio stations, the Internet and other electronic communications media; also groups and government entities that address public policy aspects of communications.
Economic development and planning Governments, businesses, and organizations that engage in urban, town, and rural planning for economic development and land use; organizations and groups that advocate for, respond to, or engage with economic development and planning issues.
Education The education, training, and instruction of individuals, including public and private education at all levels and settings, and groups and governments engaged in education policy.
Environmental affairs and natural resources The utilization of natural resources (air, energy, plants, animals, minerals, land, and water), their conservation and related environmental issues, the effect of environmental hazards on human populations and other life forms, and the development and implementation of public policy and planning related to the environment.
Health Research in medical and health sciences and public health and the provision of medical and mental health services, including allopathic medicine and alternative approaches to medicine and health care.
Labor and occupations Organized labor for the promotion of better working conditions, employment, security, and related concerns. The organization, economics, social and cultural characteristics, skills, working conditions, and experiences associated with various occupations.
Military The prosecution of war or insurrection, civilian participation in wartime activities, military sites, peacetime military enterprises, and organizations formed to support military action, soldiers, veterans groups, and other related activities.
Politics, government, and law Political, governmental, and judicial activity at the federal, state, and local levels that affects the inhabitants of an area. Creation and administration of laws, provision of government services, protection of the rights of citizens. Elected and appointed public officials; government agencies and programs.
Populations and social activity Includes groupings by geography or place of origin; cultural, ethnic, religious or racial identity or background; gender, age, sexual orientation, ability or disability, and economic or social class. A broad range of subtopics including activities, lifestyles, and changing ways of life of individuals, families, and particular groups. Population movements and settlement; distinctive aspects of living as part of population groups. Groups and organizations formed according to group identity. Also, attitudes and related activities directed toward populations and groups.
Public safety Managing and preserving public safety by public servants or the community, police/community relations, crime and criminals.
Recreation and leisure Sports, outdoor recreation, hobbies, travel, and group activities occurring during leisure time; related businesses, organizations, and government entities.
Religion Denominations and groupings of all religious faiths; religious and spiritual movements.
Science and technology Research in the natural and physical sciences and its applications to society through disciplines such as engineering, information technology, and biotechnology.
Social reform and welfare
- Reform —Efforts to achieve or oppose social, economic, and political change, including grassroots efforts outside of mainstream organizations.
- Welfare—Efforts to promote the welfare of disadvantaged members of society and other groups with special needs or concerns.
Transportation The development, implementation, and impact of transportation systems.
