When searching the library catalog, try browsing by subject. Here are some examples to get you started:
Archaeology and history -- New York (State) -- Albany.
African-Americans--New York (State)--History
Historic sites -- New York (State) -- Albany
Indians of North America--New York (State)
New York (State)--History
New York (State)--History, 1775-1865
New York (State)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
New York (State)--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
New York (State)--History--Revolution, 1775-1873
Rural women -- New York (State) -- History -- 19th century