Archives Partnership Trust Launches New Programs to Expand Educator Access and Enhance Classroom Instruction of New York’s Primary Source Materials

The New York State Education Department and Archives Partnership Trust's RDL Gardiner Foundation Educational Resource Center for New York State History today announced two new educational initiatives that will expand access to New York's historical records and further empower the state's educators to use primary source materials in the classroom. The new Opalka Family Teacher-in-Residence Program and George R. Hearst III Teacher Fellowship Program are made possible through gifts totaling $500,000 from Chet and Karen Opalka and George R Hearst III.

Through immersive research experiences and professional learning opportunities, the two programs will enable educators to explore archival collections, identify records that enhance classroom instruction, and strengthen their use of primary sources in curriculum development.

Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of the New York State Education Department, said, "NY Inspires is transforming the state's education system through deeper learning opportunities and more meaningful instruction. Archives Partnership Trust's new initiatives will equip educators with valuable resources and tools that cultivate critical thinking and civic engagement. By connecting students with primary sources and historical materials, they'll develop a deeper understanding of their communities, engage with diverse perspectives, and appreciate the rich and varied experiences that shaped New York."

Stephen Pagano, Chair of the New York State Archives Partnership Trust Board, said, "The Trust is committed to keeping New York State history alive by ensuring historical records are actively used to educate and inspire current and future generations. The establishment of our new Teacher-in-Residence and Fellowship Program in the Gardiner Educational Resource Center at the Trust, builds on our commitment to meet the evolving needs of educators and students and support local history through collaborative projects and outreach. These new programs complement our continued goal to help inspire and shape the future of NYS history education."

George R. Hearst III, Vice Chair of the New York State Archives Partnership Trust Board, said, "Historical records give students a direct link to the past and provide important lessons that can shape their future. The Trust is a trusted resource for educators who want to make the most of these records in their classrooms as they help students become informed citizens."

Chet and Karen Opalka said, "We are proud to have helped get ConsidertheSourceNY.org started, and we're excited to see how much it has grown and advanced our shared commitment to stewardship, public benefit, and the long-term vitality of history education rooted in archival collections. We're happy to continue our support which will ensure future educators and students continue to learn from the stories and records of those who came before us."

The Opalka Family Teacher-in-Residence Program and George R. Hearst III Teacher Fellowship Program join other RDL Gardiner Foundation Education Resource Center initiatives, including ConsiderTheSourceNY.org, New York Archives Magazine and New York Archives Jr!, Rutledge Professional Learning Services, Student Research Awards, and the Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program.

Those interested in participating in the program are asked to contact [email protected].

About the New York State Archives Partnership Trust

The Archives Partnership Trust, a 501(c)3 organization, works to advance New York State History by making the voices within over 350 years of colonial and state government records in the State Archives accessible, relevant, and heard. Home of the RDL Gardiner Foundation Education Resource Center for New York State History, the Trust provides education, preservation, and outreach programs that unite scholars, students, and the interested public in the discovery, interpretation, and promotion of our shared history.

About the RDL Gardiner Foundation Education Resource Center for New York State History

Established in 2026, the Gardiner Education Resource Center for New York State History at the Archives Partnership Trust offers resources, professional learning programs, and other statewide primary source-based educational services for educators and students. Key programs include: ConsiderTheSourceNY.org; Rutledge Family Foundation Professional Learning Services, New York Archives Magazine and Online Speaker Series, New York Archives Jr! Magazine; Student Research Awards; Opalka Family Teacher-in-Residence, George R. Hearst III Teacher Fellowship Program; and Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program.