Honor Liselle LaFrance's Service

Assembly Resolution No. 849 BY: M. of A. Fahy COMMENDING Liselle LaFrance upon the occasion of stepping down as Director of Historic Cherry Hill in Albany, New York, after 26 years of distinguished service WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Liselle LaFrance upon the occasion of stepping down as Director of Historic Cherry Hill in Albany, New York, after 26 years of distinguished service; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a party held in her honor on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Albany Institute in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, For the past 26 years, Liselle LaFrance has served as Director of Historic Cherry Hill, a wood-framed, Georgian-style farmhouse, which was home to the Van Rensselaer-Rankin family from

1787-1963; since it was established as a museum on October 6, 1964, Historic Cherry Hill has strived to interpret and provide access to one of Albany's rich, historical resources through its educational initiatives; and WHEREAS, In her role as Director, Liselle LaFrance diligently worked to raise significant funds, make necessary improvements and accomplish many goals, thereby, transforming the museum into a nationally recognized center for the study and interpretation of American history; and WHEREAS, Under Liselle LaFrance's luminous leadership, and through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, thousands of pieces of history from the 231 year-old farmhouse's attic were removed and placed in the new Edward Frisbee Center for Collections & Research; this climate-controlled facility has given thousands of visitors the opportunity to view the museum's vast collection of 70,000 artifacts and manuscripts collected from a family who lived over two centuries ago; and WHEREAS, Liselle LaFrance then led the monumental effort to stabilize the farmhouse; after the building was made structurally sound, the Heritage Preservation and the American Institute for Conservation presented Liselle LaFrance and Historic Cherry Hill with the 2009 Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections; and WHEREAS, For the past 26 years, Liselle LaFrance rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to Historic Cherry Hill in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, In her capacity as Director, Liselle LaFrance served with loyalty, honor and distinction; in her official acts, she was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, During her tenure with Historic Cherry Hill, Liselle LaFrance earned the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Liselle LaFrance upon the occasion of stepping down as Director of Historic Cherry Hill in Albany, New York, after 26 years of distinguished service, and to wish her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Liselle LaFrance.