A good place to learn about Albany [1]’s history and culture is in this large, refurbished water pumping station (25 Quackenbush Sq., at Broadway and Clinton Ave., 518/434-0405, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, free admission), which contains informative exhibits on everything from the city’s ethnic heritage to its industrial past. Find here, for example, the tale of the modern (celluloid) billiard ball, invented in Albany in 1868.
Albany is part of the New York State Heritage Areas program, which includes loosely delineated historic parks linked by a common theme. The Albany theme is business and capital. Also in the visitor center is the Henry Hudson Planetarium, featuring a changing schedule of programs throughout the year.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-state/the-hudson-valley/albany