Established in 1972, the Bureau of Historic Sites provides technical support to New York’s state-owned parks and historic sites. Headquartered at the Peebles Island Resource Center, a rehabilitated factory complex, the bureau helps to safeguard New York’s rich heritage through a variety of projects and programs that document, preserve, and interpret historic, cultural, and natural resources at state parks and historic sites.

  • Architectural historians and building conservators guide the preservation and restoration of buildings, structures, and landscapes.
  • Art and object conservators examine and treat historic and artistic collections.
  • Curators research collections and social and cultural history to help guide the furnishing and interpretation of historic properties.
  • Collection managers maintain an extensive electronic inventory of hundreds of thousands of objects, manuscripts, and rare books.
  • Archaeologists identify, document, preserve, and interpret archaeological and cultural resources.
  • Historians and educators research, write, and help to develop and produce exhibits, interpretive signs, and publications as well as the content for audio tours.
  • Graphic artists and designers create a wide array of interpretive signs, exhibits, and publications.
  • Security specialists develop systems that protect historic resources and visitors from fire, crime, and natural disasters.

The Peebles Island Resource Center is located in Peebles Island State Park, a scenic, 158-acre green space at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Although the bureau’s offices are not open to the public, educational group tours can be arranged.

Contact

Bureau of Historic Sites
(518) 237-8643

Mailing address
PO Box 219 – Peebles Island
Waterford, NY 12188

Shipping address
Delaware Avenue
Cohoes, NY 12047