Saturday, Jan. 31 – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at NYS Museum, 222 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12210
Doors open at 8:30 am. Sessions will begin promptly at 9:00 am. Planned sessions could be subject to change.
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9-9:08 AM - Opening Remarks presented by NYS Museum and Archives Staff
Welcome - quick overview of the day
9:15-10:00 AM (45 minute session #1) - Choice of the following three sessions:
Enduring Issues in Knox's Train Through Albany, presented by Shawna Reilly, Schuyler Mansion SHS Henry Knox is celebrated for hauling 60 tons of ammunition over 300 miles from Fort Ticonderoga to besieged Boston. Still, he did not do it alone—hundreds of soldiers, farmers, merchants, tradespeople, and enslaved people made it possible. This talk explores our region’s role in the “Noble Train of Artillery,” highlighting enduring issues of power, innovation, environment, and cooperation, with opportunities to analyze primary sources from Knox’s diary, letters, and memoirs.
Teacher Share Session: Global, facilitated by Sean Fitzsimons, Albany HS and Sienna LaDuc, Bethlehem HS This session is an opportunity for Global teachers from across schools to share best practices, discuss challenges, and collectively problem solve around how to achieve best results, both on the Regents and by enriching our students’ lives through Global studies. While Sean and Sienna will act as facilitators, participants should come ready to actively participate with honest questions, concerns, suggestions, and more to benefit all attendees.
Erie Canal Discussion - presented by Brad Utter, NYS Museum The NYS historian for technology and transportation will present Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal, and will discuss many aspects related to our theme as the Erie Canal marks its 200th anniversary.
10:05-10:15 AM (10 minutes break) - Coffee/Tea/Water Break
10:20-11:05 AM (45 minute session #2) - Choice of the following three sessions
Ticonderoga to Boston: Henry Knox's Epic Trek, presented by Rich Strum, Fort Ticonderoga and Tim Potts, Monticello CSD On March 17, 1776, George Washington forced the British to evacuate Boston after an eleven-month siege, aided by artillery from Fort Ticonderoga. Explore this pivotal event through manuscripts, documents, and objects featuring Benedict Arnold, Philip Schuyler, and Henry Knox, and develop 250th American Revolution lessons for the classroom.
The 14th Amendment & Birthright Citizenship: Making Sense of the Political Moment Through Asian American Histories, presented by Dr. Darrell DeTample, Hunterton Central Regional HS and Kimberly Leung, Asian Law Caucus As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, this workshop explores how migration has reshaped ideas of liberty, equality, and citizenship. Focusing on birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment, we’ll trace key moments in Asian American history and, in partnership with the Asian Law Caucus, connect past struggles to present debates while offering educators historical context, legal insights, and classroom-ready tools.
Reimagining the Hudson River Trading Game, presented by Holly Kilgore, Historic Cherry Hill The Hudson River Trading Game is a hands-on program for 4th and 5th graders that creatively combines history, economics, science, ELA, and math. Students role-play using a 34-foot game board to experience the challenges of 18th-century trade and travel on the Hudson River and discover how Hudson River trade was linked to global trade.
11:10 - 12:10 PM (60 minutes of CTLE included) Working Lunch - LUNCH is provided - Poster Sessions: Museums, Historic & Cultural Organizations Roundtable Q/A
12:15 - 1:55 PM (Two - 45 minute tours/presentation with 10 minutes in between to facilitate switching locations) Your Choice of One of Three Museum Tours
More than 600 timbers and 2,000 artifacts—including musket balls, buttons, and tankards—were recovered from the site. Likely captured by the British and sailed south before reaching New York, the vessel’s burial in the city remains a mystery. After more than a decade of study under Dr. Peter Fix of Texas A&M, the ship returned in 2025 and is now being reconstructed for permanent display at the New York State Museum. Come and find out more!!
- Ellis Island and Immigration
The Political Collections of the New York State Museum encompass a broad spectrum of political, social, economic, industrial, and military topics and materials with the goal of preserving related artifacts for generations to come. This tour will focus on topics related to New York’s role in US history.
- George Washington Slide Presentation of Former Exhibit
Examine George Washington’s artifacts and gain a fuller perspective—balancing his pivotal role in founding the United States with the grave harms committed under his command, reflecting tensions between liberty and entrenched systems of white supremacy, wealth, and power.
This training opportunity was made possible through a partnership with the NYS Museum and Archives and the CDCSS. The CDCSS is a registered CTLE provider. PD certificates will be provided for any completed programs.
CTLE for the entire conference = 5 hours - Any attendees leaving early will have CTLE credits adjusted accordingly.
Registration fees: CDCSS members $25, non‐members $45, Pre-service $10. Membership included for anyone paying the non-member rate and who wishes to become a CDCSS member. Any members of the ACARC or NYS Reading Association are welcome to join us at the CDCSS membership rate!
Lunch and bottled water will be provided.
Inquiries? Contact Tom at cdcssny1@cdcss.org