LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Onon-
daga Historical Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 150th Anniversary of the Onondaga Historical Association; and
WHEREAS, In early 1862, during a devastating Civil War, in which
central New York citizens were playing an increasingly pivotal role, a
group of community leaders decided that it was important to preserve and
document the history they were witnessing and experiencing; the organ-
ization they formed for this purpose, the Onondaga Historical Associ-
ation (OHA), was officially chartered in 1863; and
WHEREAS, Now, in 2013, OHA enters its sesquicentennial year with great
pride; it is the oldest cultural organization in Onondaga County and one
of the earliest historical associations in the country; and
WHEREAS, OHA has evolved tremendously over the past 150 years into a
vibrant association of heritage-related museums, research and educa-
tional centers, historic sites, and retail venues in Onondaga County;
its collections consist of well over a million items, including the May
1775 "General Association for...the Rights and Liberties of America",
which was the first document of the very first representative government
of New York; it also consists of the earliest known photograph of
Frederick Douglass, along with the largest private collection of
portraits by Charles Loring Elliott, the most accomplished and renowned
portraitist of the 19th century; and
WHEREAS, OHA's collections have informed exhibits, educational
programs and publications on a state, national and international level;
as a major local cultural institution, it embraces its serious role as
an economic engine for the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions which enhance the well-being and vitality of their communities 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
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Onondaga Historical Associ-
ation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Onondaga Historical Association.