Non-Profit Leader in Educational Travel Establishes June 8th as Annual National Observance, ‘Age Adventurously Day,’ in Celebration of 50th Anniversary
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, released a new report indicating that adventure is a key contributor to the happiness and health of aging adults. Based on a survey of 300 adults aged 50 to 98, Road Scholar’s findings reveal that 94% of older adults who embrace adventurous activities – whether through travel, lifelong learning or stepping outside their comfort zones – report higher levels of wellbeing.
In addition to the report, the organization has announced a new national observance on its 50th anniversary June 8th, “Age Adventurously Day,” kicking off with a contest offering one lucky winner a travel voucher, among other prizes.
“Our Age Adventurously Report findings reinforce what we’ve always believed — adventure enriches both health and happiness, and our desire for new experiences only grows with age,” said James Moses, CEO of Road Scholar. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re proud to launch Age Adventurously Day, proving adventure is not bound by age, but rather fueled by curiosity. We encourage everyone to spend June 8th doing something adventurous – whether that be trying out a new sport, tasting an exotic food, or exploring a new destination.”
Road Scholar’s Age Adventurously Report offers compelling insights into the connection between aging, adventure and wellbeing. Compared to previous generations, today’s older adults are more adventurous than ever before.
Here’s a look at a few standout findings:
Educational Experiences Spark Interest in Distant Destinations and Frequent Travel: Road Scholar’s survey results indicate that older adults who engage in educational travel are more likely to explore distant destinations and travel more often compared to their peers. Thirty-two percent of participants surveyed reported that the majority of their travel is international. Road Scholar participants also tend to travel more frequently with 45% of those polled taking 4-8 trips annually, compared to 26% of those not involved with the organization.
Adventure Adds to Health and Happiness: Nearly 100% of older adults surveyed agreed that being adventurous contributes to their health, happiness and wellbeing. In fact, Road Scholar participants above the age of 50 who actively embrace new experiences indicated feeling just as happy as they were in their 20s, 30s or 40s – scoring an average of 3.2 on a 5-point scale ranking happiness from “not happier” to “extremely happier.”
Adventurousness Across Generations: When asked if their generation was more adventurous in older adulthood than their parents’ generation, 75% of Gen Xers agreed and 89% of Boomers and Silent Gen concurred – showing that older adults have evolved to be more adventurous.
Celebrate Age Adventurously Day
In addition to its recent survey findings and in celebration of the company’s founding date and 50th-anniversary – underscoring its ongoing mission of inspiring lifelong learning – Road Scholar has declared June 8th as Age Adventurously Day. This now-approved annual observance, certified by the National Day Archives, aims to motivate older adults to break free of their routines, seek out fresh opportunities, and redefine what it means to age.
On June 8th each calendar year, Age Adventurously Day will serve as a reminder to individuals that aging does not mean the end of adventure, but rather a new beginning full of opportunities. The day invites everyone within the Road Scholar community and beyond to embrace the spirit of adventure, stepping beyond the ordinary, trying something they’ve always wanted to do, and making aging an adventure.
To kick off the inaugural Age Adventurously Day, Road Scholar is hosting a special contest. Participants are invited to share their plans for the day or submit stories and photos of their adventures at www.ageadventurously.org. One winner will receive a $1,500 travel voucher for a Road Scholar program, along with other prizes. Entries will be accepted through June 13, with the winner selected at random.
“Since 1975, Road Scholar has defied aging stereotypes every day, proving that adventure does not have an expiration date,” said Moses. “We want to inspire an Age Adventurously movement and encourage people around the world to take part in Age Adventurously Day, sharing their stories and empowering others to join the lifelong adventure.”
Click here to view Road Scholar’s full Age Adventurously report.
New York State is continuing to invest in the New York State Canal system through a $50 million allocation in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget as the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial navigation season begins. The capital funding secured through the state, the second in two years, builds upon the annual investment into the waterway’s core operation and maintenance by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, and supports the vision put forth by the Canal Recreationway Commission in the recently published Canal Recreationway 2050 Plan.
“Governor DeWitt Clinton may have been the one to take credit for bringing the Erie Canal to life, but I’d like to take credit for keeping it thriving 200 years later by providing unprecedented funding to ensure the Canal system remains safe, operable, and a driver of tourism and economic activity,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By supporting the Canal system’s essential infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 19th century, we’re ensuring this network of waterways and trails will continue to positively support those who come to recreate and do business here, and the more than 200 upstate New York communities that thrive within the Canal corridor.”
The $50 million appropriation in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget includes funding to support the rehabilitation of 19th century reservoir dams, a high-hazard earthen embankment dam that retains water above an adjacent community, and aging steel gates and other water control structures along the Canal system that are designed to protect downstream life and property. This investment in the canal’s principal infrastructure ensures the waterway is resilient, supports the diverse needs of the communities it passes through, and continues to be a driver of economic development as it begins its third century of operation.
New York Power Authority Board of Trustees Chairman John Koelmel said, “We have been making historic investments in the Canal system to ensure its infrastructure is resilient; its programming is innovative and engaging; and that all of our efforts allow this waterway to remain in continuous operation for the next two centuries. We are working toward having a Canal System that is a vibrant, sustainable resource for New Yorkers and beyond.”
“We are committed to transforming the Erie Canal into a model of sustainable infrastructure that honors its rich history and secures its place in a thriving, resilient, and inclusive future for its next two centuries of use,” New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said.
2025 marks the 201st consecutive season of navigation along the Canal system and the bicentennial of the opening of the original Erie Canal on October 26, 1825. Supported by the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission, the canal corridor from Albany to Buffalo will be bustling with events this year ranging from concerts to festivals to theater performances and more. As communities and organizations come together to commemorate this milestone, information on all of these happenings can be found on an interactive calendar hosted by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The link to the calendar can be found here.
This July, the two-time GRAMMY award-winning Albany Symphony, in partnership with the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation, will perform a free five-part concert series along the Canal system. This musical experience, entitled “Water Music NY,” will be offered in Medina, Seneca Falls, Utica, Fort Plain, and Schuylerville with each concert composed specifically for the host canalside communities. The music series will explore themes of nature, the environment and contemporary communities on the Erie Canal; the food and stories of people from around the world who now call Utica, a premier Erie Canal community, home; music that honors the multi-layered stories of women on the Waterways; Indigenous heritage; and the experience of enslaved people who fought for freedom on the Underground Railroad. This year’s concerts build upon the “Water Music NY: More Voices” program offered last year that focused on exploring underrepresented voices, including those of women, immigrants, people of color and Indigenous peoples.
Albany Symphony Music Director David Alan Miller said, “As the Erie Canal nears its third century of operation, we are so excited to embark on a grand new adventure with our wonderful partners at the New York State Canal Corporation. In anticipation of the Erie Canal’s momentous bicentennial season, we have engaged five brilliant composers who have immersed themselves in five gorgeous canalside communities and have created visionary new works for our orchestra and community collaborators exploring the vibrant history and culture of our great state. We cannot wait to celebrate with thousands of residents and visitors at free daylong festivals that include delicious food, fun outdoor activities, historical explorations, and family-friendly arts, culminating in fabulous orchestra concerts featuring these dazzling new works. It is our hope that our music will spark dialogue, expand perspectives, and inspire everyone to experience and cherish the beautiful canal system that flows through our state and is so much a part of New York State’s past, present and future.”
In September, the 2025 World Canals Conference will occur in Buffalo as part of the bicentennial commemoration. This yearly event, held in locations around the world, brings together an international audience of hundreds of canal and inland waterway enthusiasts, professionals and scholars to learn about a variety of topics related to canals. The New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Visit Buffalo Niagara, are the joint sponsors this year and are coordinating all aspects of the conference.
As the World Canals Conference concludes, the Seneca Chief, a replica of the original Erie Canal boat New York State Governor DeWitt Clinton sailed from Buffalo to New York Harbor in 1825, will begin its journey to recreate that inaugural voyage. The Seneca Chief is scheduled to arrive in New York Harbor on October 26, the official anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal. Created and built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the project has been heralded as one of the largest community-based boatbuilding endeavors in the world. The Seneca Chief will make stops in communities across the Erie Canal and Hudson River, with commemorative events at each stop.
To ensure a more complete narrative on the Erie Canal’s history and its enduring legacy is told this bicentennial year, the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and WMHT Public Media partnered to create a multi-platform, multi-media initiative, called “Reflections on the Erie Canal,” which launched this spring with the airing of a 10-part weekly documentary series. The series will conclude with an hourlong original documentary, to premier this September at the World Canals Conference in Buffalo. In addition to the documentary series, new content was created for classrooms across New York.
Last, in honor of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial, the New York State Canal Corporation commissioned artist Dr. Tyler Nordgren to create a poster that captures 200 years of this remarkable waterway, and its future. The image can be found here. Information on how to obtain copies of the full-sized poster will be made available to the public in the coming weeks.
New York State Canal Corporation Director and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Brian U. Stratton said, “We have been hard at work since 2017, the beginning of this bicentennial period, to ensure we honor this occasion appropriately,” New York State Canal Corporation Director and Erie Canal Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Brian U. Stratton said. “Our efforts have ranged from event support to creating a robust blueprint for the next 25 years of Canal operations to putting herculean effort into ensuring our infrastructure is in good, safe working order. The end goal is a thriving Erie Canal that is open for through-navigation, for all of the communities it passes through, and for all of the people who come to recreate here.”
In addition to the abovementioned efforts, several New York State agencies and businesses are offering Erie Canal Bicentennial themed products, including:
New York State Office of General Services – An Erie Canal themed photo exhibit at the Empire State Plaza in Albany
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets – Erie Canal themed displays at the 2025 Great New York State Fair
Saratoga Springs based Stewart’s Shops – “Minted in 1825” ice cream available at participating locations throughout the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley and Syracuse area
Buffalo based Big Ditch Brewing Company – An Erie Canal themed beer will be available soon at select locations in Western NY where Big Ditch is sold
“Two hundred years after its opening, the Erie Canal is still a driver of tourism and economic activity,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said. “As we commemorate the Bicentennial this summer, there are many opportunities for visitors to learn about the canal, whether experiencing the exciting ‘Waterway of Change’ exhibit at Canalside in Buffalo, following the Seneca Chief’s journey across New York State or listening to community concerts set to historically inspired scores. Thanks to Governor Hochul and to investments in the Erie Canal’s infrastructure, this iconic waterway will be celebrated for the next 200 years.”
Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “As we celebrate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, we honor a legacy that transformed New York State and the nation. Exploring the Canal offers a unique journey through America’s early history and innovation as the Canal continues to connect people through its scenic trails, vibrant waterways, and historic towns. The 200th anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring value of preserving our heritage while embracing the recreational, cultural, and historic destination the Canal provides for future generations to come.”
New York State Historian Devin Lander said, “The building of the Erie Canal was a complex and momentous undertaking. It involved thousands of laborers and dozens of engineers and resulted in a public works project beyond anything the nation had seen at the time. It opened New York State to the west and opened the west to America. When it was all said and done, it can be said that the Empire State was born on the back of a canal boat.”
“The Erie Canal transformed New York State and had a profound impact on the nation. We hope this auspicious anniversary year invites everyone to explore New York’s extraordinary canal heritage and enjoy all that the waterway has to offer today,” Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Executive Director Bob Radliff said.
The New York State Canal system will operate daily this navigation season through Monday, November 3, 2025.
While recent federal budget cuts to the National Park Service may impact visitor experiences across the country, travelers planning a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Western River Expeditions can rest easy: river adventures through this iconic landscape will go forward without disruption.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT- If you were ever thinking about doing a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, this is the year to do it.
While recent federal budget cuts to the National Park Service may impact visitor experiences across the country, travelers planning a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Western River Expeditions can rest easy: river adventures through this iconic landscape will go forward without disruption.
“Unlike some land-based activities that rely heavily on park staffing, our river trips operate independently,” explains Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions. “Our trained guides and self-sufficient operations ensure guests experience the Grand Canyon’s wonders without interruption.”
Why Western River Expeditions’ Grand Canyon Trips Remain Secure:
History of Continuity: Even during past government shutdowns, Grand Canyon National Park has remained open and accessible, thanks to state-level funding support from Arizona.
Operational Independence: As a licensed concessionaire, Western River Expeditions staffs, supplies, operates and manages its own trips under a long-term contract with the National Park Service.
Emergency Readiness: Open communication with park officials ensures that emergency services will remain operational even during federal staffing shortages.
Western River Expeditions recommends that travelers consider purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind when booking their trip.
A High-Demand Experience Bonnie Cratch, Reservations Manager at Western River Expeditions, emphasizes the importance of early planning: “Grand Canyon trips are always in extremely high demand. Strict regulations cap the number of rafting participants allowed each year, so reservations fill quickly.”
The rafting season on the Colorado River runs from April through September. There are still a few spots available for August 2025 for those who act quickly.
Grand Canyon 4 Day Rafting Trip (ages 9+), perfect for families and first-timers, with exciting Class II–III rapids and incredible side canyon explorations.
Every trip includes off-river hikes to waterfalls, slot canyons, ancient ruins, and breathtaking side canyons — places unseen by most rim visitors. Western’s exclusive J-Rig rafts offer accessibility and comfort, even through the canyon’s most thrilling whitewater.
No passport needed: Escape Adventures is offering a family-friendly, five-day camping and mountain bike adventure in Grand Canyon National Park that includes riding singletrack to Monument Point, hiking into the canyon on backcountry trails, pedaling across the Kaibab Plateau and conquering the Rainbow Rim trail before descending to Indian Hollow.
Forget crowded airports and currency exchange – “no-passport vacations” are the hottest trend this summer, with American travelers eager to explore incredible destinations right here in the United States. Recent reports show a surge in domestic travel, with 60% of people wanting to see more of their own country.
Here are 10 exciting “no-passport” summer adventures, from backcountry biking to horseback riding and chasing the Northern Lights:
Backcountry Biking in Utah: The Aquarius Trail Hut System offers a backcountry mountain biking experience like no other in the region. A system of five huts furnished with beds, a bathroom, a fully stocked kitchen and solar power has been strategically placed along a 190-mile route through some of Utah’s most scenic backcountry and best mountain biking trails. https://aquariustrail.com/
American Road Trip 2.0: Nothing is more rejuvenating than jumping in your car and heading out on an American road trip, and AdventureGenie is the world’s first AI-powered, end-to-end system for planning one. It offers the most immersive, innovative and intelligent adventure travel planning tools available. Whether starting from a curated GenieTrip or creating a fully customized and personalized journey from your own ideas, AdventureGenie has you covered. https://adventuregenie.com/
Alaska Lodge Adventure: Discover the rugged beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska on a guided five-day trip with Adventure Life that combines outdoor exploration with lodge-based comfort. Tour Kennicott Town and learn about its mining history, hike to a hidden lake or across a glacier, try ice climbing, fly into the backcountry for a day of wilderness exploration, and paddle a packraft through pristine waters. https://www.adventure-life.com/alaska/tours/18770/wrangell-st-elias-national-park-lodge-based-adventure
North Rim of Grand Canyon: Providing gently rolling terrain of lung-expanding dimensions, the North Rim has been long-held as sacred ground to hikers and cyclists alike. Escape Adventures is offering a family-friendly, five-day camping and mountain bike adventure that includes riding singletrack to Monument Point, hiking into the canyon on backcountry trails, pedaling across the Kaibab Plateau and conquering the Rainbow Rim trail before descending to Indian Hollow. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/grand-canyon-north-rim-mountain-bike-tour/
Yellowstone Fly Fishing: Take an expertly guided float down the Yellowstone River on one of Flying Pig Adventures’ custom rafts while you enjoy the spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and world-class fly fishing. Just outside Yellowstone National Park, the upper stretches of the river are lightly fished, but hold large numbers of native cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Private access to the river allows guides to take guests where the fish are without fighting the crowds. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/yellowstone-fly-fishing
Wine Country Weekend: North of San Francisco, the winding Russian River meets the dramatic Pacific coastline, shaping if not sheltering a world all its own. Escape Adventures offers an idyllic three-day road biking tour in this romantic landscape, quilted with a colorful patchwork of old growth redwoods, fruitful vineyards, historic towns and beautiful gardens. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/napa-valley-weekend-road-bike-tour/
Cowboy Up in Montana: Settle in at the Circle Bar Ranch in central Montana for horseback riding and other classic dude ranch adventures. On the ranch’s 520 acres and nearby national forest land, ride a trusty steed through open prairies, across the Judith River or up a ridge for a breakfast cookout, go hiking, try fly fishing, sport shooting or archery, or tour a Yogo sapphire mine by UTV. At the end of the day, enjoy traditional ranch recipes and locally inspired dishes, and cozy accommodations in a historic cabin, the lodge or Ranch House. https://www.circlebarranch.com/
Jackson Hole Tiny House: Fireside Jackson Hole redefines the traditional vacation with its collection of sustainably built, LEED-certified luxury cabins. Experience the intimacy of a boutique hotel and ambiance of a private residence, set within the atmosphere of a wooded campground – all moments away from the majesty of Grand Teton National Park. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com
Alaska Northern Lights: On Gondwana Ecotours’ Alaska Northern Lights Adventure, guests will get a dose of local culture by day and photograph the Aurora Borealis at night. Highlights of the tour include dogsledding through snowy forests, taking curling lessons from locals, enjoying a meal with homesteaders, soaking in a geothermal hot spring, learning how to photograph the Aurora Borealis, snowshoeing on private land, having tea with a family of reindeer herders and more. https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/northern-lights-tour-fairbanks-alaska/
Big Sky Summer: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for summer adventures on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Hike through shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking, and explore the natural wonders and wildlife of the park. Afterward, enjoy Montana fare at the upscale yet casual Block 3 Kitchen & Bar on site or burgers, sandwiches and entertainment at Tips Up. https://thewilsonhotel.com/
Lebanon, NH — Travelers are bracing for rising costs and rethinking their plans in response to recent US policy developments and economic uncertainties, according to the Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue, one of the world’s leading providers of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.
The survey reveals that 83% of the world’s most experienced travelers expect travel costs to rise due to recent US policy initiatives, with nearly half (47%) saying travel costs will “definitely” increase and another 36% responding “probably.”
“Travelers are clearly feeling the impact of evolving US policies,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “From anticipated cost hikes to shifting itineraries and delayed plans, US policy and economic signals are shaping traveler behavior and decisions for the rest of 2025.”
Economic uncertainty is also factoring into decisions—but not necessarily stopping travel. Nearly 65% of respondents said they have not canceled or postponed an international trip due to concerns about a possible recession. Similarly, 31% have not altered domestic travel plans, despite headlines warning of economic slowdown.
“There’s a degree of resilience in today’s traveler,” Richards added. “People may be modifying their destinations or delaying departures, but they are still prioritizing travel, especially internationally.”
According to the survey, more than half of travelers (55%) are changing which countries they visit and 34% are postponing international travel altogether due to international policy shifts. About one in four (24%) say they are not traveling internationally in 2025, while a slight but notable 5% opt out of domestic travel.
“With nearly half of travelers altering their destinations in response to US international policies, the ripple effects of government decisions are clear,” Richards said. “As a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, I see the need for balanced policy approaches that support international trade and diplomacy without inadvertently deterring global mobility or discouraging tourism.”
Global Rescue surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.
Global Rescue provides medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
Along with a suite of exhibitions, The Historical partners with history museums from across the nation to invite Americans to share their birthdays wishes “On Our 250th”
New York—As the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of its founding, The New York Historical has announced a broad suite of exhibitions and programs, and a digital campaign joined by a nation-wide coalition of history museums, named “On Our 250th.” The initiative has just begun with the launch of onour250th.org, where individuals can share a birthday wish for their nation and its democracy turning 250. The exhibitions will begin in fall 2025, with a major exhibition of Revolutionary-era documents from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection, and then include shows on immigration photography, contemporary artists’ reflections on the anniversary, and exhibitions on Revolutionary Women and on how New York celebrated the nation’s bicentennial. Plus, in early summer 2026, The Historical will have the grand opening of its new Tang Wing for American Democracy.
“On Our 250th” “On Our 250th” is a partnership organized by The New York Historical and Made by US of history museums across the nation to invite individuals to share a public message of their hopes for our nation and its democracy on the occasion of its anniversary. On both a microsite—onour250th.org—and on-site at museums across the nation, this campaign will collect five to 50 word greetings from Americans of all ages. The campaign already has 23 participating history museums across 15 states, including Wyoming, Georgia, Virginia, and Illinois, plus the Smithonian’s National Museum of American History. The website was created by Use All Five, a digital design agency.
“We have planned these exhibitions and programs in the hope of bringing our fellow citizens new insights into who we are and have been as Americans,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO, The New York Historical. “As an institution established by veterans of the American Revolutionary War, with the objective of ensuring that future generations would know of, and value the nation’s great struggle for freedom and equality, we are firm in our belief that, by understanding the past and appreciating the people on whose shoulders we stand, our democracy will thrive.”
The New York Historical launched the microsite today with 250 greetings from students, including this potent note from Andrea, a middle school student in New Jersey: “Happy Birthday, USA! My wish for you is to once again be a united country meant to protect and serve all. To return to a land of opportunity and diversity for all who seek it.” Participating institutions include: Atlanta History Center, Chicago History Museum, Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, The Heurich House Museum, Idaho State Museum, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Levine Museum of the New South, Lincoln Presidential Foundation, National Liberty Museum, National World War I Museum and Memorial, The New York Historical, Revolutionary Spaces, Robert H. Jackson Center, Ruth Mott Foundation/Applewood, Senator John Heinz History Center, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Vermont Historical Society, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Wyoming State Museum.
Exhibitions The exhibitions related to the 250th anniversary will take place over a 15-month period, from October 2025 to December 2026, in both The Historical’s main building and, starting summer 2026, its new Tang Wing for American Democracy. The exhibitions include:
Declaring the Revolution: America’s Printed Path to Independence Fall 2025 Visitors have the unique opportunity to see a selection of landmark documents from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection showcasing America’s founding era on display together.
Arriving in America: Portraits of Immigrants from The New York Historical Collections Fall 2025 This exhibition mines the vast photography collections of the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library as a lens to view the immigrant experience in New York through the faces and places photographers have captured over time.
Revolutionary Women February 2026 Showcasing the little known and unknown achievements of women in the years leading up to, during, and following the Revolutionary War, this exhibition brings new insights into the nation’s founding.
Old Masters and New Amsterdam Spring 2026 Who were the people of the Dutch Golden Age who founded the colony that would become New York? What drove them to set sail and colonize? A dazzling array of more than 60 Dutch Old Master paintings, featuring works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals, Jan Lievens, and Jan Steen, provides viewers with clues into the Dutch society that spawned New York.
Democracy Matters Summer 2026 Why does democracy matter? What does it look like in action? Whom does it represent? Objects from The New York Historical’s Museum and Library collections join works by contemporary New York City-based artists. Together, they explore the original promise of and continuing progress toward the American Revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality.
“You Should be Dancing”: New York, 1976 Fall 2026 In 1976, New York City was in crisis. Its youth rescued and reinvigorated it. You Should Be Dancing transports the visitor to a year of contradictions for New York City. The metropolis was the main stage for America’s 200th birthday celebration, with days of parades, festivals, and performances. But it also faced near-bankruptcy, spiking crime, and a housing and drug crisis. Out of this moment emerged musical genres driven by the city’s youth—including disco, punk and hip hop—which forever changed music history.This exhibition surrounds the visitor with music, fashion, instruments, photographs, and original documents to learn about the glitz and grit of this transformative year in New York City’s history.
The Tang Wing for American Democracy
The Tang Wing for American Democracy, dedicated to exhibitions and programming on democracy, opens in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Tang Wing for American Democracy will house the Academy for American Democracy, the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Center for Teaching Democracy, new gallery spaces and classrooms, a conservation studio, and the first home of the American LGBTQ+ Museum (opening at a later date). The new wing will also be the home of The New York Historical’s MA in Museum Studies program, a trailblazing initiative founded in 2019 with the CUNY School of Professional Studies, and a renovated library stack storage tower for the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, which holds more than 10 million items, including rare copies of our nation’s foundational documents.
New York’s first museum, The New York Historical (formerly known as the New-York Historical Society) is a leading cultural institution covering over 400 years of American history. The New York Historical is a museum of museums and a collection of collections. It is home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, the Center for Women’s History, the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, and the future American LGBTQ+ Museum.
The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org.
Opening June 13, The New York Historical highlights the intersection of politics, art, and culture that shaped America’s Red Scare in Blacklisted: An American Story, on view June 13-October 19, 2025 (credit: Civil Rights Congress, America’s “Thought Police”: Record of the Un-American Activities Committee, 1947. Courtesy of the Unger Family)
New York – Opening June 13, The New York Historical highlights the intersection of politics, art, and culture that shaped America’s Red Scare in Blacklisted: An American Story, a traveling exhibit created by the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. Expanded by The Historical, the exhibition builds on the story of the Red Scare and the blacklisting of screenwriters and directors known as the Hollywood Ten, and the countless others who were impacted. Blacklisted captures the tensions of the domestic Cold War, revealing how global politics infiltrated America’s entertainment industry in the late 1940s and 50s through a government crackdown on artistic expression. The exhibit is on view through October 19, 2025.
“Our aim with Blacklisted is to prompt visitors to think deeply about democracy and their role in it,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical (formerly known as the New-York Historical Society). “The exhibition tackles fundamental issues like freedom of speech, religion, and association, inviting reflection on how our past informs today’s cultural and political climate.”
The Hollywood Blacklist emerged as a key manifestation of the Red Scare in the postwar United States. With the rise of global Communism during the Cold War, anxiety over the emergent power and influence of the Soviet Union fanned fears domestically. Numerous industries purged employees suspected of being sympathetic to Communism. Hundreds of people lost their jobs, and thousands stood by silently, afraid of jeopardizing future employment.
The exhibition opens with a look at the first Red Scare, which came on the heels of the First World War. Wartime heralded a crackdown on both immigrants and political dissidents, particularly critics of war. Hundreds of immigrant activists were deported, including Emma Goldman. A pamphlet she co-wrote in 1919, Deportation: Its Meanings and Menace; Last Message to the American People, is on display.
Social conditions of the 1930s and 1940s drove many artists and writers to embrace radical politics through groups like the Communist Party USA (CPUSA). During this period, the CPUSA was the only interracial political party and the only party with a platform supporting racial equality and self-determination for Black communities. A 1932 lithograph on view—“Equal Rights for Negroes Everywhere! Vote Communist”—depicts the interracial presidential ticket of William Z. Foster and James W. Ford, the first African American to run for vice president in the 20th century. While this interwar period is considered the “heyday of American Communism,” CPUSA’s official membership never exceeded 100,000. The Red Scare would decimate the CPUSA and shatter many progressive coalitions accused of having Communist ties.
In 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) called Hollywood figures to testify about allegations of communist propaganda in American films. Although the committee never found any evidence, it held ten of the writers and directors in contempt of Congress and fined and sentenced them to prison. Hollywood responded by creating a self-imposed Blacklist of those implicated in the proceedings. Red-baiting, a move to discredit someone by labeling them as a Communist or Communist sympathizer, became widespread across government, industry, and the media throughout the 1950s.
Objects on view include Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s Academy Awards for Roman Holiday— originally awarded only to co-writer Ian McLellan Hunter since Trumbo was prohibited from working in film under his own name—and The Brave One, awarded to the fictitious Robert Rich. (Hunter was later Blacklisted.) Also on display are typewriter ribbon tins with personal items Trumbo collected and kept while he was incarcerated and letters written to him by his young daughter during that time.
The ways in which Broadway and New York’s theatre community responded during this era is also explored with a selection of programs, photographs, and other ephemera. On view is an original souvenir book for the 1943 production of Othello, starring Paul Robeson, an active Communist and the first Black actor cast in the role in a major US Shakespearean production, who was later investigated for his political expressions. Originally staged in 1934, The Children’s Hour was revived in 1952 at the height of the Red Scare and directed by its playwright Lillian Hellman, who had been blacklisted in Hollywood. A vintage photograph of Hellman, taken by Editta Sherman, is among the many theatre-related objects on view.
Blacklisted features more than 150 artifacts, including historical newspaper articles, film clips, testimony footage, telegrams, playbills, court documents, film costumes, movie posters, scripts, artwork, and Academy Award statuettes. Additional highlights include:
A “100 Things You Should Know About Communism in the USA” pamphlet from the Committee on Un-American Activities (1949), which was handed out at the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) hearings;
Lauren Bacall’s costume from How to Marry a Millionaire, a 1953 film released during the height of the Blacklist. Bacall was one of the founding members of the Committee for the First Amendment, which initially supported the Hollywood Ten. Unlike other committee members, her employment opportunities did not diminish, and she worked steadily until her death;
From Life magazine in 1953 “Satan Came to Salem: Arthur Miller Play Exposes Horror and Hysteria of Witch Hunt”, an article discussing the relevance of The Crucible and interpreting the play’s setting during the Salem Witch Trials and its focus on the devastating role of rumor and accusation as a searing commentary on HUAC and the widespread panic during the Red Scare;
A 1949 Carnegie Hall program “Hazel Scott: In her Piano Program of Bach to Boogie-Woogie,” from jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott, who made a name for herself at Café Society, the first integrated nightclub in New York City. The first Black woman to have her own television show, her name was listed in Red Channels, a Red-baiting publication, which led to the cancellation of her show one week later after a single episode had aired; and
A record cover of The World of Sholom Aleichem, (1953), a significant creative and cultural achievement during the Red Scare, which drew on the works of Yiddish humorist Sholom Aleichem, with a cast and crew almost entirely composed of Blacklisted artists, including Jack Gilford, Sarah Cunningham, Ossie Davis, director Howard da Silva, and writer Arnold Perl.
Blacklisted: An American Story is a traveling exhibit created by the Jewish Museum Milwaukee and coordinated for The New York Historical by Anne Lessy, assistant curator of history exhibitions and academic engagement, with contributions from Emily Pazar, assistant curator of decorative arts and material culture.
Programming On Wednesday, June 18, celebrated biographer Kai Bird joins David M. Rubenstein in discussion on Roy Cohn’s upbringing in mid-century New York, the rise of his political and legal career which was informed by Red Scare tactics, and his ties to the era of McCarthyism. In October, families can take part in our Reading into History program themed to the exhibition, offering a selection of reading suggestions and historical activities. Visit the DiMenna Children’s History Museum calendar for more details. Private group tours can be arranged throughout the exhibition.
Support Lead support for Blacklisted: An American Story is provided by the Ford Foundation and Sy and Laurie Sternberg. Major support is provided by the David Berg Foundation and the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation. Additional support is provided by Kate Kelly and George Schweitzer, Patricia Askwith Kenner, and Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr.
Exhibitions at The New York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
New York’s first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution covering over 400 years of American history. The New York Historical is a museum of museums and a collection of collections. It is home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, the Center for Women’s History, the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, and the future American LGBTQ+ Museum. Connect with us at nyhistory.org or at @nyhistory on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.
The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org.
Sail Croatia, a premier small-ship cruise operator, is redefining the Adriatic travel experience with a variety of curated cruise and yacht tour options designed to showcase the beauty, culture, and heritage of the Croatian coastline. From luxury escapes to active adventures, Sail Croatia offers a personalized and immersive way to explore one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
Founded in 2005, the company has grown into a leader in boutique coastal cruising, operating a fleet of locally owned vessels and welcoming thousands of guests annually. Sail Croatia focuses on small group experiences that highlight hidden coves, historic cities, and the natural splendor of the Dalmatian coast.
A Cruise Style for Every Type of Traveler
Sail Croatia’s offerings are tailored to different travel styles, ensuring every guest finds the right pace and atmosphere:
Explorer Cruises – Perfect for travelers looking to balance relaxation and exploration, these cruises take guests through UNESCO-listed towns, vibrant markets, and scenic swim spots.
Elegance Cruises – Premium comfort and service on modern ships with en-suite cabins, onboard chefs, and carefully crafted itineraries through Croatia’s most luxurious coastal gems.
Cycle Cruises– A blend of adventure and discovery, these cruises offer guided bike tours on the islands of Hvar, Korčula, Mljet, ideal for active travelers wanting to explore on two wheels.
Hike Cruises – Designed for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, these cruises include daily guided hikes through coastal trails, national parks, and medieval hilltop villages.
Navigator Cruises – A fun, youthful option for 18–39-year-olds who want a vibrant social cruise filled with music, nightlife, and beach parties at iconic destinations like Dubrovnik and Split.
Private Yacht Charters – Fully customizable sailing experiences for families, friends, or couples seeking a private escape with their own itinerary, skipper, and personalized service.
Rooted in Responsible Travel
Sail Croatia champions sustainable tourism through its non-profit initiative, Green Sail, which advocates for marine conservation, organizes coastal clean-ups, and provides eco-education to marina partners and guests. The company supports Croatia’s local economy by operating with family-owned ships and sourcing fresh, regional cuisine for onboard dining.
Why Choose Sail Croatia?
Boutique, small-group cruises (30–40 guests max)
Locally owned and operated vessels
Flexible itineraries from luxury to active adventures
Guided Cycle & Hike Cruises for outdoor exploration
Onboard chefs, en-suite cabins, and personalized service
Environmental commitment through Green Sail
Access to Croatia’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path islands
MOAB, UT – April 22, 2025 – As travelers seek more meaningful escapes from their hyper-connected lives, Moab Adventure Center is offering a rare opportunity to truly unplug and recharge in some of the most remote and beautiful canyons in North America. Through multi-day rafting expeditions in Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon, guests trade screens and stress for star-filled skies, adrenaline-pumping rapids and deep connection — with nature, others and themselves.
A growing body of research shows the benefits of digital detox travel:
A 2025 Hilton Trends Report found that 24% of travelers now prioritize disconnecting from social media during vacations.
A recent University of Texas study revealed that 91% of participants who blocked internet access reported better mental health and focus.
A Cureus journal analysis confirmed that unplugging leads to reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, especially among young adults.
“These trips don’t just take you off the grid—they help reset your sense of time and perspective,” says Kam Wixom, Marketing Director at Moab Adventure Center. “In a few days, guests go from digital overload to genuine connection — with nature, their travel companions and even themselves.”
Why Multi-Day Rafting is the Ultimate Reset
Explore hidden waterfalls, petroglyphs and side canyons unreachable by foot, accessible only by the river
Experience the power of the Colorado and Green Rivers through rollicking whitewater rapids
Sleep under a canopy of stars in true wilderness — no screens, no cell service, just dark sky
Let experienced guides handle all the logistics, safety and storytelling, leaving participants to relax and enjoy
Build lasting camaraderie through shared adventure and unplugged conversation
Whether it is a family seeking quality time, a couple looking for reconnection or a solo traveler craving mental clarity, these journeys offer more than just adventure — they offer restoration.
Featured Multi-Day Expeditions
Cataract Canyon 4-Day Classic – A fully guided rafting expedition through Canyonlands National Park from May to September. Guests experience legendary whitewater, riverside camping and immersive canyon exploration. More Info
Cataract Canyon 2-Day Express – From May through July, high-speed custom rafts take guests 100 miles through Cataract Canyon in just two unforgettable days — ideal for shorter getaways. More Info
Desolation Canyon 5-Day Family Rafting Trip – Carved by an ancient inland sea, this Green River experience features playful rapids, rich geology and ideal conditions for families with children ages five and up. Available May to September. More Info
Southwest Sampler Package – A 4-day Moab-based adventure combining two days of rafting with an off-road Hummer Safari and deluxe camping. Includes lodging and access to Arches National Park. More Info
Named one of Newsweek’s Best Whitewater Rafting companies in the U.S. (April 2025) and winner of Utah’s Best of State Award for 21 consecutive years, Moab Adventure Center is the region’s premier provider of guided outdoor experiences. A division of Western River Expeditions, the company offers rafting, hiking, off-roading, canyoneering, all based in the red rock paradise of Moab, Utah.
To explore trip options or book a digital detox adventure, visit www.moabadventurecenter.com or call (435) 259-7019 / (866) 904-1163.
Nestled in the rugged northeast of England, Northumberland is a land of untamed beauty, rich history, and some of the darkest skies in Europe. Just 3 hours by train from London, Active England is offering a noctourism adventure into the unspoiled wilderness of Kielder Forest and the crown jewel of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the largest in the UK (photo: Active England)
International Dark Sky Week (April 21–28, 2025) is an ideal time to spotlight the growing global trend of noctourism—travel experiences that embrace the beauty, serenity, and ecological importance of the night. With artificial light increasingly encroaching on our skies, travelers are seeking out destinations where darkness still reigns, offering unforgettable moments under the stars.
One standout is Active England’s Five-Day Celestial Journey Through Northern England, a luxurious, guided adventure through Northumberland, home to some of the darkest skies in Europe. Timed perfectly with the celestial calendar, the experience blends history and stargazing, from walking Hadrian’s Wall at golden hour to private access at the Kielder Observatory. Travelers can dine by firelight in a treetop restaurant, participate in a forest sound bath, and witness the Milky Way in all its glory—no filters, no crowds, just pure night magic.
Led by a local expert guide, this bespoke adventure blends celestial wonders with rich history—from exploring Hadrian’s Wall at sunset to visiting the mystical Holy Island, only accessible during low tide. As night falls, immerse yourself in the starlit serenity of Kielder Forest, home to the UK’s largest Dark Sky Park. Enjoy exclusive access to Kielder Observatory, where expert astronomers guide you through a dazzling display of the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and meteor showers. Dine among the treetops at Alnwick Treehouse Restaurant, where twinkling lights and a roaring fire create an enchanting atmosphere, and unwind with a sound bath in the forest, letting ancient vibrations soothe your soul under the night sky. Designed for stargazers and night wanderers, this Active England experience is a truly magical escape into the wonders of the dark.
Beyond the stars, Northumberland enchants visitors with dramatic coastlines, medieval castles, and Roman ruins, including the legendary Hadrian’s Wall.
This five-day journey, just 3 hours by train from London, soaks in the charm of Northern England, connecting you with nature and offering a unique celestial experience.
On Day 1, walk or cycle alongside Hadrian’s Wall, uncovering the secrets of Roman Britain at Vindolanda Fort, a fascinating archaeological site filled with ancient artifacts. For movie buffs and nature lovers, the iconic Sycamore Gap, featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, offers an awe-inspiring hike through vast open moorland.
On Day 2, a scenic drive north to Alnwick, home to the spectacular Alnwick Castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films, to explore this grand fortress, which has stood for over 950 years and is a fine example of a Norman castle. The afternoon takes a literary turn with a visit to Barter Books, a quirky and beloved bookshop inside Alnwick railway station.
Highlights of Day 3 include a trip to Bamburgh, where a mighty castle stands proudly on the shores of the Northumberland coast. Just offshore lies Lindisfarne (Holy Island) an ancient place of pilgrimage and the first known Christian settlement in England. Accessible only during low tide via a causeway, this mystical island is home to rare wildlife, medieval ruins, and a serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern life.
Day 4 is all about Dark Sky, venturing deep into Kielder Forest. As night falls, head to Kielder Observatory, where a private stargazing experience awaits. Gaze through powerful telescopes at distant galaxies, witness shooting stars, and lose yourself in the vastness of the universe. Objects such as Messier 33, a galaxy deemed by many to be invisible to the naked eye, can be clearly seen from the Observatory site on moonless nights.
Day 5 offers an optional visit to the Kielder Planetarium for another talk with astronomers.
Feeling adventurous? Scotland is just a stone’s throw away! With Edinburgh a short two-hour drive from Kielder, why not continue your journey into the wild, untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands?
There are plenty of options to continue a starry skied adventure with Lochside luxury wilderness lodging or a visit to The Royal Observatory in Edinburgh for one of the many astronomy events that occur throughout the year.
