LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May of 2016 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May of 2016 as Historic Preser-
vation 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 fifty 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 proper-
ties is both a public activity and a private passion supported by indi-
vidual citizens, organizations, businesses, communities, elected offi-
cials, 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 asso-
ciated 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 of 2016 as Historic
Preservation Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.