LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Gomez
Mill House-Newburgh Enlarged City School District Local History Program
on May 15, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those educators who seek to bring recognition and appreci-
ation to historical places within the State of New York, and in doing
so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is
preserved and shared with present generations of citizens; 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 20th Anniversary of the Gomez Mill House-Newburgh Enlarged
City School District Local History Program to be celebrated on Friday,
May 15, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The widely recognized and popular Gomez Mill House-Newburgh
Enlarged City School District Local History Program began in 1995 when
the Gomez Mill House reached out to teachers in the Newburgh elementary
schools to begin coordinating field trips for students; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable private-public educational partnership devel-
oped with the mission to inspire "students to become tomorrow's leaders
beyond Academy Field," and has realized its goal with the successful
transition of Newburgh area students to college and the workforce; and
WHEREAS, The Newburgh Enlarged City School District, located at the
Crossroads of the Northeast, serves students from four neighboring muni-
cipalities: the City of Newburgh, the Town of Newburgh, New Windsor, and
a small portion of Cornwall; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1714, The Gomez Mill House is the oldest standing
Jewish dwelling in North America and the oldest home on the National
Register in Orange County, New York; and
WHEREAS, As the cornerstone of Jewish American experience in America,
Gomez Mill House is unique among its peers in being home to five major
historic figures whose lives and work not only impacted the commerce,
governance, and civic life of Newburgh and its neighboring towns, but of
New York State and America; and
WHEREAS, These early successful visits engendered such a spirited
response from the children that the first few fourth grade classes soon
shifted to the full complement of third grade classes in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Since then, from mid-April to mid-June, over 1,000 children
per year from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District have visited
the Gomez Mill House enjoying a full tour of the site and a hands-on
papermaking experience; and
WHEREAS, The Gomez Mill House-Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Local History Program has introduced students to many thought-provoking
ideas on historic and contemporary subjects; the tours presume a natural
intelligence and curiosity in third graders that is always successfully
met with inquisitive and penetrating questions that tie into their know-
ledge, current curricula topics, or personal experience; and
WHEREAS, The success of this program would not be possible without the
enlightened leadership of NECSD officials, and the cooperation and
curriculum development of enthusiastic teachers, as well as the support
of engaged parents; and
WHEREAS, The Gomez Mill House-Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Local History Program is a testament to the positive impact private-
public partnerships can have on local communities and on the children
who participate in such experiences; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when historical
education programs of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to

our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citi-
zens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Gomez Mill House-Newburgh
Enlarged City School District Local History Program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Gomez Mill House-Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Local History Program.