ALBANY.- The New York State Archives today announced a special limited engagement exhibition at the New York State Museum featuring New York State’s founding documents. The Path to Statehood features New York’s first constitution (1777), journal of the Poughkeepsie Convention (1788), New York’s engrossed copy of the U.S. Constitution (1788), and New York’s current constitution (1894). The exhibition is open November 8 – 27.

“The State Archives cares for more than 200 million documents in its collections,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa. “This exhibition features foundation documents of our state and nation, including the state’s first constitution, which was adopted while the American colonies were fighting for their freedom from Great Britain. I encourage New Yorkers – adults, children, and educators – to visit the exhibition and see the documents that established our State and our nation.”

“The Path to Statehood features some of New York State’s most important treasures, which are preserved in our State Archives,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “We’re proud to make these historic documents accessible to the public to remind us of our rights as citizens and the commitment of those who helped establish our democracy. These documents provide touchstones to our past and guideposts for our future.”

“These foundation documents are essential for telling the story of our state and its role in establishing the republic,” said State Archivist Thomas Ruller. “We’re proud to make these documents available and are grateful for our role in preserving these treasures for future generations. We invite New Yorkers to see this exhibition, learn how the Empire State was founded, and discover how the State Archives preserves New York’s history.”

New York’s first constitution (1777) and the U.S. Constitution (1787) established stable governments during and after the turmoil of the American Revolution. New Yorkers Alexander Hamilton and John Jay argued forcefully for the U.S. Constitution. Governor George Clinton expressed deep concerns about a too-strong federal government. New York’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution at a convention in Poughkeepsie followed intense debates about government’s powers and citizens’ rights.

New York has had four constitutions, adopted in 1777, 1821, 1846 and 1894. Each was prepared by a convention of delegates. Constitutional conventions in 1801, 1867, 1915, 1938 and 1967 proposed new documents or major amendments, most rejected by the voters. In November 2017 New Yorkers will again decide whether to hold another constitutional convention.