Hochul announces New York State Parks centennial 'Share Your Story'

New Yorkers invited to mark 100 years of state parks by sharing memories throughout this centennial year; campaign is part of multifaceted 2024 celebration of parks and historic sites

√ Watch centennial 'Share Your Story’ video to learn how it works

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the digital “Share Your Story” project and invited the public to share stories, photos and videos reminiscing on their experiences at New York state parks and historic sites. The multimedia campaign will run throughout 2024 in celebration of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s centennial.

“For 100 years, New Yorkers have visited state parks and historic sites to make memories, to learn and explore, and to have fun,” Hochul said. “This project is a chance to come together to reflect on those memories, listen to each other’s stories, and celebrate one of New York state’s most significant environmental and cultural legacies and the role it’s played in our lives. Don’t be shy, ‘Share Your Story.’ ”

State Parks has developed several methods for people to share their stories, all of which are explained in detail on the “Share Your Story” webpage. Text, photos and videos can be emailed to [email protected]. People may post to Facebook, Instagram or X using the hashtag #NYStateParksStory. They may also submit text-only stories of up to 500 words using the submission form at parks.ny.gov/100/story.

Throughout 2024, the public will also have the opportunity to hear each other’s stories. Stories will be shared on the State Parks’ Instagram, Facebook and X channels at @NYStateParks. Stories will also be posted on the State Parks blog at nystateparks.blog; on the State Parks website at parks.ny.gov; and in email newsletters.

“As commissioner, I always enjoy hearing from our staff and from the public about the memories they’ve made at parks and sites,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “Since we began planning our centennial celebration, we felt it was important to provide an opportunity for people to share their memories. I’m proud to see the launch of the ‘Share Your Story’ project. I invite everyone to think back, connect with your friends and family, get out the old photo albums, plug in the old external hard drives, and share your stories with your fellow New Yorkers.”

To prompt memories, “Story Sparks” will be posted regularly on State Parks social media channels (@nystateparks), as well as sent in centennial email newsletters.

A press release stated, “Staff from State Parks and sites are sharing their own memories in a video series launching in the coming weeks. Several prominent New Yorkers will also share their memories in a series of videos launching later this year. Participating in ‘Share Your Stories’ is a mission in the ‘Centennial Challenge’ announced in December.”

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses and boat launches, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app, or call 518-474-0456. Connect on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and the OPRHP blog.