Assembly Resolution No. 2124

BY: M. of A. Levenberg

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of the Lincoln
Depot Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Lincoln Depot Museum, to be
celebrated with a ceremony on Saturday, April 27, 2024; additionally,
later in the year, an Anniversary Reception will be held on Saturday,
September 21, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Located by Peekskill Bay on the east bank of the Hudson
River, The Lincoln Depot Museum is a 3,000 square foot freight and
passenger rail depot where President-elect Abraham Lincoln stopped to
greet New Yorkers on February 19, 1861 during his inaugural train ride
between Springfield, Illinois and Washington, DC.; and

WHEREAS, This historic event still resonates today as an inspiration
to the study of local history and historic preservation; it resulted in
the formation of the Lincoln Society in Peekskill in 1903, which
continues to be the oldest continually active such society in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the National Park Service highlighted the
importance of Lincoln's Peekskill stop in 2011 when Peekskill was
included as one of their few reenacted events commemorating the 150th
Anniversary of Lincoln's Inaugural Journey; and

WHEREAS, The historic building was acquired in 2003, and the Lincoln
Depot Foundation was established in 2007 with the goal to restore the
Depot as a museum that would illuminate and celebrate Lincoln's
relationship to New York and to New Yorkers before and during the Civil
War; and

WHEREAS, Remembering and recounting Lincoln's ties to Peekskill has
special resonance for those who treasure the history of the Hudson
Valley as well as lovers of Civil War history; and

WHEREAS, Utilizing New York State grants, the Lincoln Depot
Foundation was able to reach their goal and a new structure, the Lincoln
Depot Visitor's Center, was completed in 2019; the Visitor's Center
houses the museum offices, additional exhibits, a small gift shop and an
open meeting room to hold events; and

WHEREAS, New on display for 2024, the museum's exhibit, "New York
and Abraham Lincoln: The Indispensable Relationship," not only shows the
impact of Lincoln to Peekskill and the Hudson Valley region, but to New
York as a whole; the importance of New York to Lincoln's success is also
highlighted; it is the only such museum in the entire state and has
gained national attention and interest; and


WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, John G. Testa,
the museum project was recognized by The American Institute of
Architects with their Design Award and named "Best Museum in
Westchester" by Westchester Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Lincoln Depot Museum
explores, remembers, and educates audiences about the role local history
played on the national stage; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Lincoln Depot Museum is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff and board, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
institutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded 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 10th Anniversary of the Lincoln Depot Museum; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable John G. Testa, President of the Lincoln
Depot Museum.