NY S02062

Establishes a Commission on New York State History as a new article 28 in the executive law to coordinate protection, preservation, and promotion of the state's historical assets.

Commission membership consists of 10 ex officio members (including commissioners of education and parks, state librarian, state archivist, state museum director, and others) plus 6 appointed members serving four-year terms, with two appointees each from the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker.

Grants the commission broad powers including hiring staff and a director, conducting public hearings, preparing and disseminating reports, providing technical assistance to municipalities and organizations, establishing a clearinghouse for historical studies, and leasing office space.

Requires the commission to formulate a statewide cultural and heritage resources management plan with an initial submission to the governor and legislature by September 1, 2022, followed by annual revisions requiring gubernatorial approval.

Directs the commission to coordinate an annual free public state history conference in different areas each year and establish a fellowship program to place trained volunteers with not-for-profit history organizations and historic re-use groups.