The Haunting of the NYS Education Building: The Legend of Jason, the Mysterious Mason

Words: Cass SternPhoto Credits: Pgiam, Daniel Case, Matt H. Wade, Bain News Service

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to delve into the eerie tales that haunt our historic buildings. One such story surrounds the New York State Education Building in Albany, NY—a towering structure steeped in history and mystery. Constructed between 1908 and 1911, this building was the first of its kind in the United States, designed solely to serve as the headquarters for the education administration. However, beyond its grand façade and stately columns lies a darker legend. A ghost named Jason is said to roam the building’s halls, his restless spirit forever tied to a tragic accident that occurred during its construction. But who was Jason, and how did he come to haunt this historic site? The answers lie in the tale of an Italian stonemason whose life—and death—became an integral part of the building’s legacy.

The NYS Education Building stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of its designer, Henry Hornbostel. With its iconic columned portico and grand proportions, the building reflects the neoclassical style popular in the early 20th century. Hornbostel, a celebrated architect of his time, envisioned the building as a symbol of progress and enlightenment, fitting for its role in education administration. The construction process, which spanned three years, required the skills of hundreds of laborers, including a team of skilled stonemasons who meticulously shaped and set the limestone that forms the building’s impressive exterior.

Masonry, a craft as ancient as civilization itself, played a pivotal role in the construction of the NYS Education Building. The stonemasons, many of whom were Italian immigrants, were entrusted with the task of transforming raw stone into the precise forms needed to bring Hornbostel's vision to life. Their work, physically demanding and perilous, involved balancing on scaffolds and wielding heavy tools to carve intricate designs. The building, now a cornerstone of New York State’s educational infrastructure, stands as a lasting testament to their skill and dedication.

But amid the grandeur of the NYS Education Building's construction lies a chilling tale that has been whispered among its employees for over a century. According to legend, Jason, an Italian stonemason, met a tragic end while working in the building’s basement—a place now ominously referred to as "The Dungeon." As the story goes, Jason was laboring in the basement when he accidentally fell into a pit where concrete was being poured. His cries for help went unanswered as the Irish foreman, reportedly frustrated by Jason’s perceived clumsiness, ordered the workers to "keep pouring." The concrete quickly engulfed Jason, trapping him beneath the foundation of the building, and his life was extinguished in an instant.

However, if the legend is to be believed, Jason’s spirit did not depart with his body. Instead, it remained tethered to the place of his demise, forever pacing the halls of the NYS Education Building. Over the years, numerous employees have recounted unsettling encounters in the basement. Some have spoken of sensing a chilling, unwelcome presence, as if unseen eyes were fixed on them. Others claim to have caught fleeting glimpses of a shadowy figure, only for it to vanish when they turned to face it. These sightings have only served to bolster the legend, earning the basement its ominous moniker and solidifying Jason’s place in the lore of the building.

Interestingly, not all encounters with Jason are said to be malevolent. Some employees have reported experiences where the ghost appears to be helpful rather than harmful. There are tales of books mysteriously appearing on desks, already open to the correct page as if guided by an unseen hand. Could it be that Jason, a man who spent his life shaping stone, now finds solace in shaping the knowledge housed within the building’s walls? Or is this simply the imagination of those who work long hours in a place steeped in history and shadows?

The story of Jason has attracted the attention of paranormal investigators and curious locals alike. Over the years, various ghost-hunting groups have sought to uncover the truth behind the legend, using various tools and techniques to detect any supernatural presence. While some claim to have captured unexplained phenomena—such as mysterious sounds or anomalies on video—others remain skeptical, attributing the sightings to natural causes or the power of suggestion.

Skeptics argue that the legend of Jason is nothing more than an urban myth, a story concocted to explain the strange noises and drafts that often plague old buildings. They point out that no official records exist of a worker named Jason dying during the construction of the NYS Education Building. Yet, the absence of evidence has not dampened the belief in Jason’s ghost. For many, the legend persists because it adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to a building that is already a significant part of New York State’s history.

Beyond the ghostly tale, Jason's story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges faced by stonemasons in the early 20th century. Masonry work, though highly skilled, was fraught with dangers. Accidents were not uncommon, and the physical demands of the job took a toll on the workers. Jason’s story, whether fact or fiction, highlights the sacrifices made by these craftsmen in the pursuit of creating lasting monuments. It also underscores the importance of workplace safety, a lesson that resonates with masons to this day.

For today’s masons, the legend of Jason can be seen as a cautionary tale—a reminder of the importance of safety in a profession that, while rewarding, remains one of the most hazardous in the construction industry. It also serves as a tribute to the stonemasons of the past, whose labor laid the foundation for some of our most enduring architectural treasures.

As the Halloween season casts its shadow over Albany, the legend of Jason, the ghostly mason, adds a touch of the supernatural to the NYS Education Building’s storied past. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the allure of a good ghost story—especially one that intertwines with history and the noble craft of masonry. So, as you walk the halls of this grand building, remember the tale of Jason and consider the fine line between history and myth. After all, in a place as old and storied as the NYS Education Building, who’s to say where one ends and the other begins?

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