New York raids its attic and finds historical artifacts now on free display in Capitol

Michael Gormley, The Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. - New York state has raided its attic and found American history.

The hallways in the state capitol complex in Albany are filled with artifacts that include a slave bill of sale, a 1966 Harley-Davidson motorcycle used by state police, and items that Gov. Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt would take to Washington.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo started the raid on a little-known warehouse where centuries of New York history were boxed away.

Now the working statehouse is an up-close museum of state and American history that is drawing thousands of visitors.

Among the favourites are a huge 1813 portrait of George Washington and several limousines, cars and trucks dating to 1908.

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Online:

http://www.hallofgovernors.ny.gov/generic/VisitTheCapitol