To celebrate its centennial this year, the state’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is inviting New Yorkers to share their stories, photos, and videos of state parks and historic sites.

The office oversees over 250 parks and sites.

“As commissioner, I always enjoy hearing from our staff and from the public about the memories they’ve made at parks and sites,” said Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid in a release announcing the program. “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,” he went on. “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.” 

State parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails operated by the Office of Parks, saw a record 84.1 million visits in 2023, according to a Feb. 7 release from the governor’s office, with total visits statewide up by nearly 4.7 million, a 6 percent increase, compared to the previous record year in 2022.

Last year marked the 11th consecutive annual increase in state park attendance, and the 4.7 million jump in visits was the highest annual increase on record. Over the last two decades, state park attendance has climbed steadily, increasing nearly 60 percent.

New York State Parks has developed several methods for people to share their stories, all of which are explained in detail on its Share Your Story webpage. A Share Your Story video describes how it works.

Text, photos, and videos may be emailed to stories@parks.ny.gov. People may post to Facebook, Instagram, or X using the hashtag #NYStateParksStory. People may also submit text-only stories of up to 500 words using the submission form at parks.ny.gov/100/story. 

To prompt memories, “Story Sparks” will be posted regularly on State Parks social media channels (@nystateparks), as well as sent in centennial email newsletters. Staff from Parks and Sites are sharing their own memories in a video series launching in the coming weeks.

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