Museums & Criminal Justice: Finding Common Ground. 20-minute talk at The State Museum. From 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., in the Huxley Theater, 222 Madison Avenue Albany, 12230. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch.

Medicaid Migraine: Retaking Control of New York's Surging Health-Care Costs. This Gov. Hugh L. Carey Policy forum will draw attention to the Medicaid spending surge, trace its underlying causes, and point the way to constructive solutions. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Key Cultural Center Albany Institute of History and Art , 125 Washington Ave., Albany.

Science Lecture Series: Pitch Pine Communities of New York. NY Natural Heritage Program Chief Ecologist Greg Edinger will present an overview of the natural communities in the state that have pitch pine as a characteristic species (10 natural communities) or present as a minor associate (6 natural communities.) Reservation required, pls call 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at  Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Monthly Meeting and Italian Cultural Presentation. Anna Barletta will discuss “Growing Up Italian in Toronto.”  Please bring a dessert to share for the reception that follows.  7 p.m. at American Italian Heritage Association and Museum. 1227 Central Avenue, Albany, 12205

Hudson River Day Boats. Hudson River enthusiast Richard Brown shares the story of the “floating palaces” in his talk. 2 p.m. at Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

"An Evening With Tom Thorpe: African Origins of American Folk and Bluegrass Music" will be the program at the Guilderland Historical Society's meeting. 7:30 pm at the Mynderse-Frederick House, 451 Route 146, Guilderland Center with refreshments following. For more info. 518 861-8582.

Discover the Pine Bush. An extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush – a globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct inland pine barrens. Reservation required, pls call 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events. Event starts at 10:30 a.m. at  Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY

Stories from the Dirt. A celebration of International Archeology Day. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence Campus 194 Livingston Avenue Albany, 12210. 518-432-4432

Drink the Seasons: Autumn. Led by historian John Gearing, we’ll make, and sample, a variety of seasonal historic libations, made with locally grown ingredients. Cost is $25 and pre-registration required at schenectadyhistorical.org/programs. Event starts at 6 p.m. at The Brouwer House, 14 N Church St Schenectady.

Creative Life: With Philippe Petit. Meet one of the greatest high wire artists of all time. Demonstration and reception at 6 p.m. at the University Art Museum, 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, 12222.