Declare Historic Preservation Month

Senate Resolution No. 2295 BY: Senator CARLUCCI MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Historic Preservation Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of the need to protect the unique historical treasures which exist across New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Historic Preservation Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Historic Preservation Month; and WHEREAS, On October 15, 1966, the United States Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) making the Federal Government a full partner and source of leadership for preservation to "foster conditions under which our modern society and our prehistoric and historic resources can exist in productive harmony"; and WHEREAS, The passage of the NHPA 50 years ago marked a fundamental shift in how Americans and the Federal Government regarded the role of historic preservation in modern life, and led to the vastly more complex historic preservation mosaic we know today; and WHEREAS, In 1971, the National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week to spotlight local preservation efforts in America, which has since grown into National Historic Preservation Month; and WHEREAS, Today, Historic Preservation Month in the State of New York is observed by small towns and big cities across the state during the month of May, with events ranging from architectural and historic tours, to fundraising events, and educational programs; and WHEREAS, The preservation of New York's many diverse historic properties is both a public activity and a private passion supported by individual citizens, organizations, businesses, communities, elected officials, and public institutions working together to protect our rich cultural legacy; and WHEREAS, Within the past generation, historic preservation has evolved from a cause with limited support into a broad based popular movement for those who wish to learn about and embrace America's heritage in a direct and meaningful way; and WHEREAS, Greater recognition that historic preservation is often associated with economic success, as well as the belief that preservation of historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects enhances the quality of life of our communities has caused public support for historic preservation to flow from the bottom up, making it in the truest sense a grassroots movement; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that New York's invaluable cultural, educational, and historic institutions should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Historic Preservation Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.