Assembly Resolution No. 986

BY: M. of A. Norris

COMMENDING Robert Emerson for special recognition
after 25 years of service as Executive Director of
Old Fort Niagara of Youngstown, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who seek to bring recognition 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert
Emerson for special recognition after 25 years of service as Executive
Director of Old Fort Niagara of Youngstown, New York; and

WHEREAS, Located at the mouth of the Niagara River, Old Fort Niagara
is the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America; in
1934, it was opened as a historic site and public museum; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Executive Director
Robert Emerson, visitors from both far and near will see the oldest
buildings in the Great Lakes region, living history programs, exhibits,
and special events; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Robert Emerson has accomplished
numerous goals which has greatly benefitted the museum; he has raised
funds for exhibit and building improvements; initiated, organized, and
participated in the 300th Anniversary of the establishment of the
Magazin Royal; orchestrated the 250th British siege of Fort Niagara in
2009; put the Fort on a fiscally responsible schedule; continued work on
preserving the buildings and grounds of Old Fort Niagara; developed wide
variety school outreach programs using field trips, YouTube videos, and
in-person visits; and started the OFN music program; and

WHEREAS, Robert Emerson has also written numerous historical
articles and given PowerPoint presentations from Fort Niagara and Vauban
architecture to African American History, World War I ROTC Training
Camp, Captain Daniel de Beaujeu, and many other historical topics
dealing with the Fort; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Robert Emerson has promoted early area French
history and culture by creating French Heritage Days which include a
component for school tours; presided over hundreds of re-enactments;
worked with granting agencies and fire companies to procure a Fire
Trailer that could navigate through the narrow original Postern Gate of
the Fort in case of fire as well as an AED device; hosted RIT with their
Big Shot Program, Army staff rides, a naturalization ceremony, and many
television programs; and raised awareness of the Fort within the local
community by public speaking, parades, programs, and articles; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Robert Emerson is working on building a Native
Barracks to be used in Native Interpretation at the Fort; and

WHEREAS, Through Robert Emerson's steadfast and unremitting
commitment, Old Fort Niagara has become known for its hospitality,
helpfulness, and cleanliness as well as its educational benefits; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to express its highest admiration for Robert Emerson, and for all of the
individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to a place 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
commend Robert Emerson for special recognition after 25 years of service
as Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert Emerson.