Have a history buff on your holiday shopping list? Albany is a 400 year-old city, so local shops and museums are brimming with gifts that history fans will love. Scroll on for a few gift ideas for the history buffs in your life!
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USS Slater
Moored on the Hudson River in Albany, the USS Slater is the last remaining destroyer escort afloat in the country. Purchase gifts for World War II history buffs online from the USS Slater's Ship's Store. The shop is stocked with a variety of USS Slater-branded clothing items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and multiple styles of hats. Pick out a book for your gift recipient to take a deep dive into the history of destroyer escorts or select a beautiful print of Albany's floating museum. Order unique stocking stuffers such as USS Slater-branded flashlights, rubber magnets, stickers, window decals, pins and coozies. Best of all, all proceeds from the Ship’s Store go directly back to the restoration and preservation the USS Slater.
Shaker Heritage Society
Shaker Heritage Society, the site of America's first Shaker settlement, is nestled in Colonie. Shop online at the Shaker Heritage Society's Museum Shop for unique gifts this holiday season. For history buffs, check out the Shaker Products section for gifts such as a Shaker Oval Jewelry Box, Shaker Tea Towel (with the Tree of Life image) and Shaker Oval Cribbage Set. Shaker Herbs and Shaker Teas are delicious gifts for history lovers too!
Empire State Plaza Visitors Center & Gift Shop
Shopping for a New York State history buff? The Empire State Plaza Visitors Center and Gift Shop will be a go-to shopping resource for you. Browse the official online shop for gifts that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. From New York State Coat of Arms socks, to a Miniature Capitol Shadow Box, to a New York State Capitol tote bag, there is an assortment of unique gifts that will check all the boxes on your holiday shopping list.
Albany Institute of History & Art
Order a fine art print from the Albany Institute of History & Art's Museum Shop for a thoughtful gift this holiday season. The Albany Institute has a variety of fine-art reproductions ready to ship. Browse the selection online featuring some of the most popular paintings, prints and maps from the museum's extensive collections. History buffs will treasure this Albany Brewing Company print that was an advertisement created by Thomas Bonar, New York State Capitol by artist Walter Launt Palmer, or this Snow Scene print depicting a frozen Hudson River in Albany during the 1850s. Call the museum shop directly at 518-463-4478, ext. 459 with any questions.
Discover Albany Visitors Center Gift Shop
Searching for the perfect book for your history buff? The Discover Albany Visitors Center Gift Shop has a wide selection of books available all about Albany's fascinating history. Pick up a signed copy of Cradle of the Union by Erik Schlimmer for a street-by-street history of Albany or Capitol Story by C.R. Roseberry for an illustrated story of the majestic New York State Capitol building. Fans of the 1920s will love Wicked Albany by Frankie Y. Bailey and Alice P. Green for a look at the lawlessness in the city of Albany during the Prohibition era. Swing by the gift shop for these titles and more!
Fort Orange General Store
Fort Orange General Store has stocking stuffers for history buffs covered! This vintage Capitol magnet and Albany State Capital Mini Pennant are cute stocking stuffers for history fans. Roll up a tote bag picturing the New York State Museum or Empire State Plaza for an out-of-the-box stocking stuffer. Shop in-person at the charming neighborhood store or purchase items online.