On July 1, one of the NYS Library’s most storied collections went on display in the Cultural Education Center in Albany as part of the New York State Museum’s latest exhibit, “George Washington: An American Paradox.” The exhibit includes several artifacts from Washington’s life and closely examines the multifaceted legacy of the nation’s first president.
Long revered as a symbol of American ideals and known as the “Father of Our Nation,” the exhibit also confronts Washington’s complicated views on topics such as slavery and Indigenous Peoples, providing appropriate context for visitors of all ages.
The exhibit features several of the most significant items from the collections of the New York State Museum and New York State Library, including Washington’s dress sword; a pistol gifted to him by Lafayette; surveying equipment from Washington’s early career; and a bronze bust of the first president.
If you can’t make it to the Cultural Education Center in Albany, or if you just want a head start on checking out the artifacts, you can explore the New York State Library’s George
Washington collection online.
An opening reception for the new exhibit will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 6 pm until 8 pm at the State Museum’s, West Corridor. The event will feature light refreshments and a cash bar featuring Common Roots Brewing Company. The event s presented by the Albany 250th Commission.
The Cultural Education Center is at the south end of the Empire State Plaza, on Madison Avenue (Route 20). If using GPS, the street address is: 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY.
Illustration: George Washington’s entry into the city of New York in 1783 (Currier and Ives, 1857).
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