Albany Local Guide

Attractions

New York State Museum

An important research and educational institution, the New York State Museum is dedicated to promoting curiosity and education in the fields of anthropology, history, geology and biology through the examination of artifacts from New York’s past. The museum’s exhibits include “Birds of New York,” “The Governor’s Collection of Contemporary Native American Crafts,” and “Native Peoples of New York” and many more.

Albany Institute of History and Art

The Albany Institute of History and Art houses the finest collection in the United States to document life and culture in the Upper Hudson Valley region from the late 17th century to present day. Most of the museum’s items were made in the Albany area or were used and owned by documented families living in the Hudson Valley region. The fine objects in this collection have national significance as well because some of America’s most accomplished artists and craftsmen were living in the Albany area during the trade boom in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Captain J.P. Cruise Line, Inc.

Cruise the Hudson River aboard the sleek dinner yacht, the Captain J.P. II. 220-feet in length and U.S. Coast Guard approved the Captain J.P. accommodates 500 guests for dinner and dancing within its three enclosed, climate-controlled decks. If you’d like to take in the night air, just stroll the outside deck and watch the city go by on this memorable evening on the Hudson.

The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology

Building on its heritage as the Junior Museum founded in 1954 by the Junior League of Troy, New York, the new Children’s Museum of Science and Technology is dedicated to introducing children of all ages to the wonders of the world around them. A wide spectrum of science and technology topics, integrated with history and arts, is presented in fun, friendly and ever-changing environment.

Shaker Heritage Society

Founded in 1977, the Shaker Heritage Society is dedicated to the historic preservation of the educational program about the Shakers and their influence on the Albany region. The organization’s main focus is the preservation of the Watervliet Shaker Historic District, America’s First Shaker Settlement. The society’s offices are located at the heart of the 770-acre preserve where remain eight buildings, fields, an apple orchard, Ann Lee Pond and Nature Preserve as well as the Shaker cemetery.

Henry Hudson Planetarium

Be sure to visit this official NASA Space Place! The Henry Hudson Planetarium hosts a wide variety of educational and special events which explore history, astronomy, science and the arts. Special events include some programs entitled “Stargazing, What’s Up in the Sky Tonight?”, “Saturday Star Gazing” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd: Albany and the Underground Railroad.”