Albany, c. 1776

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this nationwide commemoration, the Albany Institute of History & Art will present Albany, c. 1776, an exhibition opening October 31, 2026, that illustrates Albany’s role during the Revolutionary era.

The Albany Institute is nearly as old as the nation itself. The museum traces its origins to the first scientific organization in New York State, the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures, founded in 1791. Its first president was Robert R. Livingston, who just fifteen years earlier had served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Drawing upon objects and rare documents from the museum’s collection, Albany, c. 1776 will explore Albany’s role in the American Revolution and illuminate what life was like in Upstate New York as Philip Schuyler and his Patriot allies fought for “the cause of American Liberty.” The exhibition will also offer insights into Loyalists in this region who supported the British Crown.

On view November 4, 2026, through May 2027, Albany, c. 1776 will serve as a rich resource for school and public programs, inviting audiences of all ages to explore the people, objects, and ideas that shaped the origins of the United States.