In original plans for the Capitol, this area was designed to be open space, part of a domed tower that was never built. In the early 20th century, the space was to be a forty-foot high rotunda with ceiling murals chronicling important events in New York State’s military history. Though the murals were painted and installed by the distinguished artist William deLeftwich Dodge, the floor was never removed. A reception room was created from this area from 1995-1997, and the murals were also restored to their original vibrant colors.
De Schaghenbrief, November 5, 1626
New York State Library Collection
Contract of Sale of Land Along the Hudson River from the Mohican Indians to Killian Van Rensselaer, August 6, 1630
This is the legal conveyance or deed of the large tract of land to Killian Van Rensselaer that enabled him to establish a patroonship (colony) within the Province of New Netherland. The patroonship plan of colonization was created under the auspices of the West India Company as a means of enhancing settlement in New Netherland.
New York State Library Collection
The Half Moon Model
Collection of Tom Wysmuller
The Great Seal of the State of New York
The Great Seal of the State of New York, as it appears here and on the state flag, is the result of four modifications made to a design first created in 1777 by a committee that included soon-to-be Governor John Jay, and Governor Morris and John Sloss Hobart, both of whom later became United States Senators. The seal was devised to replace the British Crown Seal. Final changes were made to the seal design in 1882.
The most prominent elements of the Seal are the figures representing Justice, with her blindfold, sword and scales, on the right, and Liberty on the left. The scales and sword represent the impartiality and fairness required in determining reward or punishment. Liberty holds a staff topped with a cap that from Roman times through the French revolution represented emancipation and freedom. At Liberty’s left foot lies a royal crown, thrown to the ground to illustrate the diminished power of the British monarchy over the new nation. At the center, a sloop and masted ship represent inland and foreign commerce. The river and mountains represent the Hudson River, so critical to the State’s establishment and growth, and its highlands, and the sunburst, traditionally a symbol of good fortune to come, rises over the highlands. At the top of the seal, an American eagle stands astride the globe, and at the bottom, a banner carries the State’s motto: Excelsior, which means Ever Upward.
DeWitt Clinton, Attributed to John Wesley Jarvis (1770–1840) Oil on Canvas c.1816
DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), a member of a distinguished colonial New York family, served as governor of the state from 1817 to 1822 and from 1825 to 1828. A career politician, he also had served as mayor of New York City and as a state legislator. Clinton’s promotion of the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825, spurred New York’s rise to national prominence by creating an avenue for interstate commerce.
New York State Museum Collection
Holmes Hutchinson Canal Survey Maps 1832-1843
Legislation in 1827 required a complete manuscript map and field notes of every canal to be completed, resulting in the creation of maps of properties on the Erie Canal, Chemung Canal, Crooked Lake Canal, Cayuga and Seneca Canal, Chenango Canal, Champlain Canal, and Genesee Valley Canal.
New York State Archives Collection
Daniel A. Butterfield (October 31, 1837 - January 17, 1901)
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Butterfield joined the New York State Militia. During the 1862 Battle of Gaines Mill, Butterfield earned the Medal of Honor for heroism in rallying Union troops under fire. His lasting contribution came as the author of "Taps," the bugle call sounded during military funerals.
Following the war, Butterfield served as Assistant Treasurer of the United States under President Ulysses S. Grant before returning to private life.
Courtesy of the New York State Military Museum, Division of Military and Naval Affairs
Armchair
New York State Museum Collection
Theodore Roosevelt
New York State Museum Collection
Bust of Major General John Francis O’Ryan (August 21, 1874 - January 29, 1961)
He was named commander of the New York National Guard in 1912. He led his division along the Mexican border in 1916 and throughout World War I.
Following World War I, O’Ryan returned to civilian life as an attorney and held a variety of civilian and government positions. In World War II, O’Ryan again returned to the service of his state, serving as director of civil defense.
Courtesy of the New York State Military Museum, Division of Military and Naval Affairs
Hudson River Sloop Victorine, Model by Jack W. Lowe, 1974
The Victorine was built in 1848 by John and Caleb Welsie and operated out of Cold Spring, NY. She was used exclusively for cargo, most commonly paving stones used on the streets of New York City. During the Civil War, the vessel carried cannon cast at the West Point foundry to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. She was said to be fastest sloop on the Hudson.
New York State Museum Collection