What:
Often little known to the public, and despite President Trump’s mass firing of federal Inspectors General exactly one year ago, Inspectors General are a linchpin of American democracy. In recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial and the 40th Anniversary of the creation of the Offices of the New York State Inspector General (OIG), the New York State Archives, New York State Museum, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and OIG will bring together leading experts to explore and celebrate New York’s vital role in the birth, development, and future of Inspectors General.
When:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Press Availability: 5:00 – 5:30 pm
Program: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where:
New York State Museum
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Who:
- New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang
- Former Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior, Mark Greenblatt
- Professor Paul Lockhart, author of The Drillmaster of Valley Forge The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army
- Former Commissioner, NYC Department of Investigation, Rose Gill
- Special performance by award-winning actor and Archives Partnership Trust steward Stephen Lang
Details:
At a time when fraud, corruption, and abuse of power dominate national headlines — and amid renewed debate over the independence of government watchdogs — New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang will host a public event, in person and livestreamed from the New York State Museum in Albany. The program will explore the precedent established by George Washington’s history-changing Inspector General Baron von Steuben — whose home and burial site are now an OPRHP historic site — the crossover from miliary to civilian inspectors general including in combatting government corruption during Tammany Hall, and the state of present-day public integrity oversight across New York State and the nation. This conversation will illuminate for New Yorkers the important work being done on their behalf, dating back to the Continental Congress’s resolution after Valley Forge describing Inspector General Baron von Steuben as “that illustrious stranger, who has so generously undertaken to aid us in our struggle for liberty.” The evening will feature rarely seen von Steuben artifacts from the OPRHP collection, including the “Blue Book,” authored by von Steuben and still used as a model for the policies and practices of the American military today. It will also feature historical readings by Broadway veteran Stephen Lang, and several surprise performances celebrating New York’s unique role in America’s history of fighting fraud and corruption at a time when it has never mattered more.
Members of the media are invited to attend and may interview panelists during the press availability from 5:00 to 5:30 pm.
RSVP & Media Contact: intergov@ig.ny.gov
