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K93Assembly2019-2020 SessionResolution

Honor Seward’s 218th Birthday

Official title

“Commemorating the 218th Birthday of William H. Seward”

Sponsor Karl BrabenecAD-98
Status
Adopted
Impact
1/10
Minimal
Outcome
Adopted

What's happening

This resolution commemorates the 218th birthday of William H. Seward, honoring his legacy and achievements in New York and U.S. history.

Why it matters

  1. Highlights Seward’s pivotal national role. , including his anti-slavery actions (providing refuge on the Underground Railroad) and influence on landmark events like the Emancipation Proclamation and the purchase of Alaska, underlining his long-term impact on U.S. policy and civil rights.

  2. Draws attention to Seward’s regional legacy. , noting his roots in Florida, New York, and his ongoing influence through institutions like the S.S. Seward Institute, which connects his story to local education and community identity.

  3. Connects present-day civic engagement to historical memory. , by involving schoolchildren, local officials, and the broader community in honoring Seward—reinforcing the importance of historical figures in shaping civic pride and awareness.

  4. Frames Seward’s vision as forward-thinking. , acknowledging his efforts toward territorial expansion and social progress, and suggesting that his legacy remains relevant to contemporary discussions about leadership, inclusivity, and national growth.

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Headline styles

Honor Seward’s 218th Birthday

Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Karl Brabenec

Assembly Member · Assembly District 98

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Adopted
  2. Introduced

Full text

1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗

Assembly Resolution No. 93 BY: M. of A. Brabenec COMMEMORATING the 218th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of… Show all

Assembly Resolution No. 93 BY: M. of A. Brabenec COMMEMORATING the 218th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of Florida, New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate the 218th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of Florida, New York; and WHEREAS, To observe this auspicious occasion, a special event, "William Henry Seward's Birthday Celebration" will be held on Saturday,

May 18, 2019; on this day, the school children and town are involved in a host of activities including a wreath laying at his monument, pictures, media events, presentations, and speeches from elected officials, as well as a birthday cake; and WHEREAS,… Show all

May 18, 2019; on this day, the school children and town are involved in a host of activities including a wreath laying at his monument, pictures, media events, presentations, and speeches from elected officials, as well as a birthday cake; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward was born in Florida on May 16, 1801, and died in Auburn, New York, on October 12, 1872, where he spent much of his adult life; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward made a monumental impact in the histories of not only Orange County, but New York State and the entire country, serving in numerous leadership capacities such as New York Senator, New York Governor, United States Senator and Secretary of State for both the Lincoln and Johnson administrations; and WHEREAS, Sympathetic to the plights of runaway slaves, William Henry Seward offered his home in Auburn as a stop on the Underground Railroad, where he hid slaves on their way to Canada; and WHEREAS, In 1867, William Henry Seward acquired Alaska for the United States from Russia; through the years he tried in vain to purchase Hawaii and the Dutch West Indies, as well as build a canal in Panama; all of which came to fruition long after his death; and WHEREAS, After a failed presidential bid in 1860, William Henry Seward served as President Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State; in this capacity, he was instrumental in the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS, Bound to his roots, William Henry Seward was a vital part of the S.S. Seward Institute in Florida, New York, a school which his father founded in 1846; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward will forever be remembered for his achievements in office, and for his foresight in anticipating the future needs of the United States; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to express its highest admiration for William Henry Seward, and for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to an individual and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 218th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of Florida, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Florida Historical Society.

Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.