K 393: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village at its Tonawanda Creek Campus

 Assembly Resolution No. 393 BY: M. of A. McMahon COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village at its Tonawanda Creek Campus WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to those organizations of historic significance whose dedicated contributions have helped further the cultural enrichment of our communities and our Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village at its Tonawanda Creek Campus; and WHEREAS, The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a museum and ongoing preservation and conservation program located on a 35-acre campus which houses 10 historic buildings constructed during the 19th century; and WHEREAS, The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village was originally located on South Cayuga Road from 1971-1972; the museum focused on the history of the area and its impact on the Buffalo Niagara Region; and WHEREAS, In 1973, the museum relocated to its Smith Road location and opened to the public in June of that year, offering a building with a library and offices, and one for museum exhibits; and WHEREAS, The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village moved to its current Tonawanda Creek site in 1975 with the three original historic buildings owned by the museum: the Bigelow House, Hoover House, and Williamsville Schoolhouse; and WHEREAS, In 1978, the museum broke ground for the construction of the Steffen Building, ultimately being dedicated and opened two years later in 1980; and WHEREAS, Undergoing much growth and change over the course of its storied history, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village dedicated Colony Hall in 1986; Colony Hall was later renamed the Shaw Museum Building in 1993 following the passing of the former museum director, Dr. Andrea Shaw; and WHEREAS, Truly upholding its mission to "preserve, interpret, and exhibit the agricultural history of the Buffalo Niagara region," the efforts of this commendable institution have brought about the restoration of the buildings on site to their original 19th century appearances, allowing visitors to experience what life was like in the Buffalo Niagara Region during an earlier era; and WHEREAS, Ever committed to its diverse community and preservation of its rich history, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village carries out its educational mission through exhibits, interpretation of authentic agricultural and rural life practices within the historic village and through its working farmstead, numerous enriching programs, informational group tours, captivating classes, unique artisan workshops, revered community outreach activities, and commitment to upholding community access to a variety of artifacts and historic resources retained in its Collections and Research Library; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village at its Tonawanda Creek Campus; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village.