New York State Thruway Authority Department of Information and Commercial Affairs Public Relations Planning and Publications…

Arranged by major subject or type of record (Thruway openings, inspection tours, publications).

From its establishment in 1950 (Chapter 143), the Authority exercised an active public relations program designed to distribute information to the public and to promote support for and use of the Thruway. This function has been carried out by a succession of administrative units: Public Relations (1950-1953), Department of Public Information and Business Promotion (1954-1958, 1967), Department of Public Information (1959-1966, 1968), Department of Information and Commercial Affairs (1969-1978), and Department of Information (1979-1985).

Correspondence, memoranda, itineraries, reports, news releases, occasional photographs, and promotional brochures and pamphlets concerning public relations activities conducted by the Authority to promote public awareness and support for the Thruway.

The bulk of these files relates to two subjects: opening ceremonies for each newly completed section of the Thruway, and inspection tours conducted for groups interested in the Thruway. The files on openings contain itineraries of activities, copies of press releases and speeches or statements made at the opening, sample press kits, and notes and correspondence concerning plans for the ceremonies. Inspection tours were conducted for groups of foreign and domestic visitors, particularly highway engineers. The files contain correspondence, press releases, sample promotional materials, itineraries, and lists of participants. The series also contains a number of publications produced by and about the Authority for public distribution.

This series was transferred from the Thruway Authority's Department of Information.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.