'New York State Museum Week' underway locally, statewide

Elmira, N.Y., May 31—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) reminded area residents today that a number of regional museums and historical societies will be sponsoring special events and activities as part of the inaugural “New York State Museum Week” from May 31 to June 6, 2012.

“We’re fortunate that the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions are home to many of New York State’s exciting and finest museums and historical attractions.  They’re a foundation of our premiere tourism industry and the first annual ‘New York State Museum Week’ offers a new opportunity to showcase everything they offer,” said O’Mara.

The first-ever promotional event is being sponsored by I Love New York, The Museum Association of New York, New York State Council on the Arts and the New York State Senate.  More than 200 museums across the state will take part and offer special events, activities and promotions to give visitors a sample of the exhibitions and programs available at the nearly 2,000 museums located throughout New York.

Participants across O’Mara’s 53rd Senate District include the Corning Museum of Glass, Arnot Art Museum, Chemung County Historical Society, Steuben County Historical Society, National Soaring Museum, Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Cornell Plantations, and The History Center in Tompkins County.

Additional information on New York State Museum Week, including a full list of local participants, can be found HERE.

“Not only do these institutions celebrate and preserve our historic and cultural heritage, museums enrich our communities and play a vital role in the state’s economy.” said Edward Maitino, Director of Tourism for Empire State Development, which administers the I Love New York program.

"We are delighted by the overwhelming enthusiasm the state's museums and heritage organizations are bringing to the inaugural New York State Museum Week," said Anne Ackerson, Director of the Museum Association of New York, "They want New Yorkers to discover them, fall in love with them, and come visit again and again."