Teachers' institutes during this period were usually two week sessions organized and conducted at the county level for the purpose of instructing common school teachers in subject matter and teaching methods.
Institutes began in 1843 as voluntary gatherings. The State officially established teachers' institutes in 1847, placing them under the control of local school officials who were required to report on attendance of the institutes to the Superintendent of Common Schools and, after 1854, to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Payments to institute conductors and instructors employed by the Superintendent and to school commissioners for expenses incurred in holding institutes were authorized by the consolidated school law of 1864.
From the description of Teachers' institute registers of attendance and accounts of expenses, 1859-1884. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 81672270
