by Devin Lander, New York State Historian

As historians and lovers of history, we all should all be able to clearly articulate the value of history to society at large. But, do we? This talk will attempt to begin a conversation about why history is essential not only as a field of practice, but as a way of thinking about who we are, where we are, and where we are going.

Devin Lander is New York’s 16th State Historian. Previous to being named State Historian, he was the Executive Director of the Museum Association of New York (MANY) and worked as Deputy Legislative and Policy Director for the Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Tourism, Arts, Parks and Sports Development and Governmental Operations Committees. He holds a BA in History from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and a MA in Public History from the University at Albany where he is currently a PhD student.