Amanda Paladino, Features Editor 

The center for historical research’s office on campus is filled with hidden treasures- diaries, family papers, and photographs of past generations.

Such artifacts tell a small piece of the larger story that is New York State’s history. This story, though relevant to us all, is one many are unfamiliar with- with pieces of the past waiting to be shared.

This has inspired Nolan Cool, a senior intern at the Center for Historical Research, to create a history blog- Musings from the Mohawk Valley.

The site provides an open forum styled space, igniting a discussion of New York’s history by accepting contributions from anyone interested, including UC students and faculty.

“The goal is to try and engage the community. Essentially, it’s to cultivate a discussion of regional history,” Cool said.

Historian blogs have been on the rise in recent years, including multiple blogs throughout the Mohawk Valley regarding historical sights. However, the creation of Musings of the Mohawk Valley follows suit to such a trend in an innovative manner, creating a comprehensive platform that combines regional history and research. The site provides a link that allows users to view the Center’s digital collections. The collections host a myriad of relics, consisting of everything from Utica Zoo scrapbooks, digitized newspaper clippings from the Cold War era, abortion activism flyers and Utica’s anti-slavery petitions.

Cool stressed the availability and accessibility the blog provides.

““It gives people a way to talk about history,” he said.

The blog allows individuals to explore parts of local history that peak their interest and share that information with others.

UC staff members expressed positive anticipation for the blog’s future.

“I hope it will take on a life of its own, that it will perpetuate itself through active interest,” said history professor Dr.Cash.

While the Center maintains standards for submissions including a brief title and footnotes, an array of contributions are welcomed and encouraged by UC students of any major.